In addition to playing in several other projects, including Predator Vision and the Parasails, Mondanile released a split with Dracula Lewis in 2010, before releasing Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics in 2011. The album took a more bare-bones approach, and marked a notable change in style for Ducktails. By the time 2013's The Flower Lane arrived on Domino Recordings, Mondanile had moved even further away from his bedroom beginnings, recording more traditional mellow pop with a full band. A five-song EP, Wish Hotel, arrived later that year, retaining the same sophisticated style as the album that preceded it, as did 2015's full-length St. Catherine. With producer Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck) bringing a touch of warmth and clarity to Mondanile's sincere psychedelic tunes, the album also featured guest appearances by fellow experimental indie artists James Ferraro and Julia Holter.
The lead guitarist parted ways with Real Estate in 2016 before Ducktails' Jersey Devil arrived a year later on Mondanile's own New Images label. Started in Los Angeles but finished after moving back to his hometown of Ridgewood, its collaborators included co-producer John Anderson (Girls, Nick Waterhouse) and Parasol's Chi Yoon Hae, who flew in from South Korea to cover bass.
Biography by Nate Knaebel
Hamilton Road
Ducktails Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rollin' by as they turn around the corner
Passin' the tents on Victoria Street
Feel the vibration of the birds in the sky
Where are they going to land?
The coast is not so far away
For a weekday anyway
The ocean's dancing with the shoreline, the current swings by
We sat by the water, and feel the ripples of the tide
The ocean's dancing with the shoreline, the current swingin' by
The song "Hamilton Road" by Ducktails depicts a peaceful, reflective moment in the singer's life as they sit in their treehouse and observe the world around them. The first verse mentions dogs and tents passing by, giving the impression that the singer lives in a residential area or possibly a campground. The line "Feel the vibration of the birds in the sky" suggests a heightened awareness of their surroundings and a sensitivity to the natural world. The singer contemplates the flight path of the birds and wonders where they will land, further emphasizing their introspection and curiosity.
The chorus introduces the image of water and the calming effects of nature. The singer and an unknown companion sit by the water and feel the ripples of the tide, as if they are being soothed by the repetitive motion. The mention of the ocean dancing with the shoreline and the current swinging by paints a picture of a harmonious relationship between the elements, which could be seen as a metaphor for finding balance and peace within oneself.
Overall, "Hamilton Road" is a gentle, introspective song that invites the listener to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around them, while also recognizing the importance of inner peace and stillness.
Line by Line Meaning
Sittin' in my treehouse I can see the dogs
Observing from my treehouse, I am able to see the dogs passing by
Rollin' by as they turn around the corner
The dogs are moving and taking a turn at the corner
Passin' the tents on Victoria Street
The dogs are passing by the tents present on Victoria Street
Feel the vibration of the birds in the sky
Sensing the vibration caused by the birds flying in the sky
Where are they going to land?
Wondering where the birds will land
The coast is not so far away
The shore or coast is not too distant from the current location
For a weekday anyway
Although it is a weekday, it does not seem too crowded or busy
We sat by the water, and feel the ripples of the tide
We sat next to the water and could sense the movement of the waves
The ocean's dancing with the shoreline, the current swings by
The ocean waves are merging into the shoreline and the current is moving by
Contributed by Levi K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alb7944
Sittin' in my treehouse I can see the dogs
They run by, past the tudor on the corner
From Hamilton to Victoria Street
Feel the vibration of the birds in the sky
Where are they going to land?
The coast is not so far away
For a weekday anyway
We sit by the water, and feel the ripples of the tide
The ocean's dancing with the shoreline, and the current's wavin' by
We sit by the water, and feel the ripples of the tide
The ocean's dancing with the shoreline, and the current's wavin' by
@willscottage
11 years. still one of the greatest songs ive heard in my life.
@ivanrudyh
Who' else is still listening to Ducktails in 2018? lol I don't care what they says about Duck, I love this song and Band
@elliottgdesign
I most certainly am.
@deadinthewater218
Yes plastic melody yes
@RogeriaMartinsSantos
YAS
@AlexDeLarge1
I don’t care what he did, it’s not going to stop me from listening to his music. Sadly the abandoned house they recorded this video in was torn down.
@Evatiga
2023
@Zergito
Man this really takes me back to high school. Nostalgic feels.
@chamberlainpaintings
this is easily the most "jersey summer vibes" video on YT
@jakefields4015
Martin looks so young and Matt hasn't changed at all