Consisting of Gabriel Stern and Peter Mark Kendall, US based duo “Hickory” is known for creating ambitious, compassionate, emotive and heartfelt music experimenting with the electronic elements that leave a deep impact upon the listener. This album is packed with 12 stunning tracks which exude cinematic vibes and showcases fresh sonic textures which will sweep you off your feet.
The album’s opening track “Adrift” opens with a bold beat accompanied by eerie music that creates palpable tension and which continue to go on for over a minute until the sweet vocals kick in and take you by surprise. After that, track picks up pace and takes you on an intriguing journey. Multi-layered instrumentation combined with the ambient electronic elements set tone for what can be expected ahead in this album. The second track “Sliding Back” created with Adam Larson is similar to it’s predecessor in it’s composition yet so different because of the instrumentation.
“Every song in “Batten Down the Hatches” is a distinct journey in itself, telling a different story, setting contrasting scenes, this album is unlike anything that I have heard before, it’s a magnificent work of art that must be experienced by everyone.”
“Minuet for Tomorrow” is short composition starting with somber tones till the mid-point where the beat drops and the track takes an intoxicating turn with it’s haunting melodies and subtle classical piano strokes bring it to an end. Every song in “Batten Down the Hatches” is a distinct journey in itself, telling a different story, setting contrasting scenes, this album is unlike anything that I have heard before, it’s a magnificent work of art that must be experienced by everyone.”
In their next track “A Man” Hickory collaborate with Sianna Plavin, who draws you in with her dreamy vocals backed by Hickory’s incredible music, together they have created a compelling story-driven track which invokes a diverse range of emotions.
In “Upped My Dose Of Seroquel” there’s a transcript recitation of a voice memo by a mentally ill person with the voice note subtly playing in the background which places you inside the head of the mental person, A track that really stood out for me was “On the Low”, featuring Whitney White this track will have you shaking your head throughout the song, followed by “Monday Before Dinner” which is filled with poetic lyrics like “It’s such a shame that I feel my best Soaking in gin” showcasing Hickory’s talent for not only mesmerising music but also deep and profound lyrics.
Another track that stood out for me was “Alone” which lifts you higher with it’s music soaring louder as the song progresses and the outro with lyrics that encourage you to keep walking forward in life and not give up. The album comes to an end with “So It Goes” which leaves you in an elevated zone, craving for more of what you have just experienced.
“Batten Down the Hatches” is an emotional rollercoaster ride that transports you through so many worlds while making you feel a plethora of emotions, each and every track on this album is sure to create a compelling scene in your head.
Catch the muse here:
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