War has inspired countless protest songs over the years, but few approach the subject with the quiet compassion found in Baldy Crawlers’ “Hatred?” Instead of focusing on politics, strategy, or victory, the song asks a far more difficult question: what does hatred do to the people expected to carry it? The inspiration came from a powerful photograph that deeply affected songwriter Martin Maudal. Rather than the violence itself, what stayed with him were the expressions on the faces of everyone involved. The soldiers and the prisoner appeared equally burdened, each carrying the same exhaustion and sorrow. That moment became the emotional foundation of “Hatred?”, a contemporary folk song that refuses to strip humanity from either side of a conflict.
the arrangement is beautifully restrained. Acoustic guitar provides the song’s steady heartbeat, while the cello adds a quiet melancholy that lingers beneath every verse. The three-part vocal harmonies become the emotional centerpiece, surrounding the lyrics with warmth instead of anger. Rather than building toward dramatic climaxes, the song allows its simplicity to carry the weight of its message, trusting silence and space as much as melody. The opening lyric, “Words came flying from his mouth, sounded like a brother to my ears,” immediately establishes the song’s perspective. It challenges the instinct to divide people into enemies and allies, suggesting that shared humanity survives even in the darkest circumstances. It is not a song that offers solutions, nor does it attempt to simplify the realities of war. Instead, it quietly reminds listeners that suffering rarely belongs to only one side. Baldy Crawlers themselves are an equally fascinating collective. What began as Martin Maudal’s way of showcasing his handcrafted instruments has evolved into a collaborative project featuring musicians from diverse backgrounds. With Elizabeth Hangan and Norrell Thompson delivering expressive vocals, Marc Weller adding guitar and pedal steel, Carl Byron contributing keyboards and accordion, Ross Schodek on bass, José Perez on drums and percussion, and Maudal himself performing multiple roles, the group’s sound comfortably blends folk, Americana, Latin influences, jazz, and thoughtful songwriting.
As the first single from the upcoming EP Fais Toi Plaisir, “Hatred?” sets an emotionally rich tone. While future releases promise to travel across broader musical landscapes, this opening statement remains rooted in acoustic storytelling, proving that powerful songs do not need elaborate production to leave a lasting impression. The craftsmanship behind the recording mirrors the authenticity of its message. Every instrument feels intentional, serving the emotional narrative rather than drawing attention to technical ability. The result is music that feels timeless, inviting listeners to sit with uncomfortable questions instead of rushing toward easy conclusions.
“‘Hatred?’ is not a song that tells you who to stand against—it quietly reminds you who is still worth standing beside.”
With “Hatred?”, Baldy Crawlers deliver a moving contemporary folk single that values empathy over division. It is a thoughtful and beautifully performed piece that demonstrates how music can address difficult subjects with honesty, compassion, and remarkable emotional restraint.
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