Usually the news that a band is chasing a ‘bigger sound’ on its second album is a cause for concern, but not in this case.Ruckers Hill, the follow-up to Husky’s 2012 debutForever So, is an organic expansion of the band’s dreamy folk-rock and a welcome progression from its sometimes sparse arrangements.
This progression is signalled from the very start, as the title track gradually grows from fragile and simple to rollicking and urgent. Singles ‘Saint Joan’ and ‘I’m Not Coming Back’ continue this theme, as the more prominent instrumentation blend beautifully with frontman Husky Gawenda’s delicate, honest vocals. Where Forever So positioned Gawenda’s voice front and centre as the strength of the band, here his vocals benefit from a fuller sound and more room to move, floating in and out as suits the track. It gives new depth to not only the singles, but deeper cuts like ‘Fats Domino’ and ‘Gold In Her Pockets’.
At 13 tracks and nearly 50 minutes long, Ruckers Hill could benefit from cutting a couple of songs, particularly when there’s so little variation in style across the album.
But it’s a minor quibble for an assured second effort that feels like a glimpse into some secluded corner of nature; an excellent soundtrack for a lazy summer.
4/5.
Ruckers Hillis out now through Liberation.
