Hicks – Vibration of Sound

When I was asked to review ‘Vibration of Sound’ by The Hicks I was intrigued by the description of an alternative/hard rock with a hint of reggae from Wigan, a town famous for it’s Pier and for being home of the annual World Pie Eating Championship.  These Hicks are not to be confused with an American comedy, country style band with the same name see here. Formed in 2002 The Hicks have already released three albums, four E.P’s and a DVD. They have supported bands like Sham 69 and Senser. Their latest album ‘Vibration of Sound’ recorded in the summer of 2014 was self released. To get me in the correct mindset I sat down with my butter pie in one hand and beer within easy reach!

I didn’t quite get the ‘No Woman, No Cry’ I was expecting. Yeah I picked up a bit of reggae along the way but the album was a lot heavier than I’d expected. Insane Encounter had a Jethro Tull vibe say Living In The Past meets Aqualung. 100mph Suicide had a booming Black Sabbathesque start then merged into something more akin to Endless Nights by Chrome Division. The Quest reminded me of Placebo’s Nancy Boy in places. Mr Diamond was the one song which did remind me of the aforementioned Bob Marley with it’s heavy reggae vibe. For What Reason had me thinking of a young band from up North, Rusted Hero not any specific song, just in general from having seen them live a few times. Substitute for Pleasure with it’s reggae beats was how I imagine Rage Against The Machine’s Killing In The Name would be done reggae style. Final song Waves of The Azores with it’s wave  start was a mellower one with some added bhangra in places, and the only vocals being a woman singing Ah Ahh repeatedly. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this one on a relaxation tape, or a Led Zeppelin album! I’m taking the title track Vibration of Sound out of turn as this would be the highlight track for me, with the opening line ‘What’s left if we haven’t got music’ with a tune reminiscent of Rat In Mi Kitchen by UB40 no doubt the rat was after the leftover pie! 

Probably seven out of ten for me but we don’t give half marks, so four stars for The Hicks. An interesting mix from Black Sabbath to Led Zeppelin, Bhangra to Reggae, Bob Marley to Rage Against The Machine. I could say music to eat pie to but I can eat pie to anything! Something different, definitely worth a listen!

Track List

1 Insane Encounter
2 100mph Suicide
3 The Quest
4 Vibration of Sound
5 Pass It On
6 Mr Diamond
7 For What Reason
8 Substitute For Pleasure
9 High Life Low Living
10 Prove You Wrong
11 Waves of The Azores

Band Members

Alex Hurst – Guitar & Vocals
Paul Dean – Bass
John Briscoe – Drums

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hicks/176100755749926

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unv4GVgzU0U