Music Review: Husky, Ruckers Hill

By Melissa Bratcher

Australia’s Husky have made one of the best albums I’ve listened to this year. Ruckers Hill is transporting, moving, and packed with glorious, goosebump-inducing harmonies. Vocally, frontman Husky Gawenda bears more than a passing resemblance to Paul Simon, and as a result, many of the harmonies reach that Simon and Garfunkel sweet spot. There’s a retro feel to Ruckers Hill, but with modern sensibilities. The songcraft is as tight as the harmonies.

The title track has a feeling of familiarity. The Simon and Garfunkel vibes mix with a Pink Floyd aura; the song begins simply, to allow the swelling, stunning harmonies to lead, while the chorus soars and captivates. “Saint Joan” the following track, is impossibly shiny and upbeat with shimmering guitar. “Heartbeat” is sun dappled and rambling with a touch of psychedelia running through. And the harmonies, oh, the harmonies are so lovely! The harmonies in EVERY song are so painfully gorgeous it’s like lying in a sunny field.

“I’m Not Coming Back” should be a single. The harmonies—reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash—are only part of what makes it such an outstanding track. It’s like a whole opus in 3 1/2 minutes. Gawenda sings “My hometown / has cursed me / lately / I’m not coming back,” setting the scene. It feels canonical.

The timbre of Gawenda’s voice is wonderful on “For To Make A Lead Weight Float.” Driving and spare, it’s dramatic with impressionistic lyrics and effective percussion. “Arrow” has a surprisingly warm drum sound, an achingly pretty bridge, and a chorus that is a deeply burrowing ear worm. It’s a gem.

The initial harmonies of “Leaner Days” are simply stunning. Loose limbed and a bit askew, it’s like a stately sea shanty, with a delicious chorus and a raining, descending piano riff from Gideon Preiss. The last track, “Deep Sky Diver,” is a Nick Drake dream. A fitting farewell with thoughtful lyrics and luscious harmonies, it swoops and dives beautifully.

Ruckers Hill is an incredible album, compellingly listenable. Husky’s melodies are outstanding, their lyrics a bit metaphysical and a lot thoughtful, and I’m sure I’ve not mentioned it yet, but their harmonies are unreal. These are all wonderful catchy tunes, just waiting to be heard.

Ruckers Hill was released on June 2 by Nevado Music.