Review
Hangman’s Hymnal
Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town

Snappy Little Numbers (2020) T

Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town cover artwork
Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town — Snappy Little Numbers, 2020

Hangman’s Hymnal is a nice addition to the Snappy Little Numbers roster and every bit as archaic as the title suggests. With a Wild West vibe pervading the songs, they manage to evoke mental images of them holding court in a saloon to perform their seasoned murder folk to a bunch of buzzed delinquents as part of a debaucherous hootenanny soiree.

In other words, Hangman’s Hymnal LP delivers the audio version of an informal loose party-esque gathering where sinister folk tunes are busted out with gusto.

Incorporating an eclectic variety of musical influences and mixing things up with e.g. a cappella and jazzy parts, Hangman’s Hymnal drive their old-timey sound with infectious beats and infuse it with enough dramatic ups and downs to convince one that it must be a hoot to have a dram of whisky while being serenaded by them in a live environment.

6.8 / 10T • July 27, 2021

Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town cover artwork
Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town — Snappy Little Numbers, 2020

Recently-posted album reviews

Silver Proof

Even If It Hurts
Independent (2026)

Some pop punk records feel made for playlists and algorithms. They’re polished into oblivion, emotionally vague, and afraid to get messy. Silver Proof clearly didn’t get that memo. The Buffalo trio’s debut full length, Even If It Hurts, leans heavily into the emotional core of early 2010s emo pop and melody while still sounding energized rather than nostalgic. Across the … Read more

Lice (Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman)

Vol. 4: Miami Lice
Rhymesayers (2026)

This EP released kind of suddenly, back in March, right before a bunch of stuff hit the fan in my life outside of SPB. Which means the EP felt sudden, but this review has been stewing for nearly three months with a lot of repeat listening along the journey. At eight songs in length, it's short but sweet, and as … Read more

Various Artists

There Is No Sun - A Tribute To Jay Reatard
Sonic Church (2026)

The late, great Jay Reatard was a prolific master of rock n roll gems. Whether it be with his earlier budget-punk act of his namesake, Reatards, his synth-punk projects Lost Sounds and Angry Angles, or his solo material as Jay Reatard, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. was an incredible songwriter. Those aforementioned bands are just a smattering of units he’s been … Read more