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

Joyce Manor

I Used To Go To This Bar
Epitaph (2026)

Surely by now, you’ve heard their name. Joyce Manor have been writing soundtracks for heartbreaks and hangovers for nearly two decades now. They create short songs with their hearts on their sleeves, while sticking to that distinct Southern California mix of self-deprecation and sincerity. From the lo-fi charm of their 2011 debut to Never Hungover Again’s cult-classic status and the … Read more

La Luz

Extra! Extra!
Sub Pop (2026)

Formed in 2012, La Luz built their reputation on hypnotic surf-noir, eerie harmonies, and a uniquely supernatural warmth that made them one of Sub Pop’s most consistently compelling bands. Their 2024 full-length News of the Universe marked a major artistic shift. The sound became lush, cosmic, dust-covered, and produced by Maryam Qudus, whose work helped push the band into its … Read more

Dead Boys

Night Of The Living Dead Dolls
Cleopatra (2025)

Dead Boys, or should I say Dead Dolls (no, not those creepy little Dolls that were mass produced for wannabe Wednesdays). Johnny Blitz had just been stabbed on the streets of New York. A benefit was created to raise funds to help the fallen comrade, known as the Blitz benefit. Look it up, plebeians. Anyways cue in snot, attitude and … Read more