Batten Down the Hatches by Hickory: Album Review

by Damien Reid July 6, 2023

July 6, 2023

Batten Down the Hatches by Hickory: Album Review

Hickory is a fantastic musical act that puts a unique spin on the experimental genre. Their technique arrives by using mysterious chord progressions, out-of-the-box electronic rhythms, and a vocal sequence that’ll captivate you entirely. Other than that, there’s a distinct essence to their melodies that should attract fans of the indie genre, especially those that enjoy indietronica too. I don’t wanna give too much away, so let’s dive into Hickory’s album “Batten Down the Hatches.”

The album enters with a beat-heavy number titled “Adrift.” It’s an energetic piece with lively percussion that’s balanced by a shoe-gaze vocal segment. The two are polar opposites, yet blend excellently. It’s kinda like a blend of soft rock with the driving bass of EDM! Furthermore, we get the experimental side of things from the song “All the Time.” Hickory manages to create a spellbinding cadence that’s unlike anything you’ve probably heard before. From an electronic synth-heavy verse, the tune transitions into an all-out indie rock number with guitar riffs. It took me by surprise, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.

“On the Low” is an artsy piece, with the instrumentals and vocals intertwining creatively. A trap-style beat initiates the track and moves into this melancholic acoustic progression. What I noticed from most of this album is that a mixture of genres is present. So, if that doesn’t impress you, wait till you hear all of Hickory’s music, ‘cause it’ll enchant your fricking soul, fam.