Hangnail

    Hangnail

    Kenosha, Wisconsin12 reviews across 5 releases

    acousticheavy metalpop punkpunk
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    Hangnail was a Christian pop-punk band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, formed in 1993 by teenagers who had previously played together as Say What. The original four-piece centered its songs on faith, while also writing about anger and the compromises of ordinary life. Early material, represented by the independent Hangnail '98, used melodic punk with occasional ska and horns. The 1999 Hangnail, issued by BEC Recordings, brought clean production, two-guitar arrangements, prominent harmonies, and flashes of metal riffing to a style several contemporary reviewers compared with MxPx and Slick Shoes. Mike Middleton wrote and sang from a plainly Christian perspective. By Facing Changes in 2001, the arrangements were more refined and the melodies stronger; its accompanying acoustic material expanded the songs with quieter textures, including Spanish guitar and hammered dulcimer.

    After three years of heavy touring, Hangnail released Facing Changes with The Acoustic EP as a limited double release in 2001, then issued the full-length Transparent in 2003. The band disbanded that year. Middleton's role as songwriter had given the earlier records their direct devotional viewpoint, while Nick Radovanovic later moved into recording and mixing work. A live performance recorded in 2002 was released independently in 2016. In 2020, Hangnail began working on new material and released Christmas Hymns, bringing Hangnail back into public view after the breakup.

    5 releases reviewed