“Ruckers Hill” Husky
Husky is a band from Melbourne, Australia that creates melodic indie folk-rock along the lines of Fleet Foxes. But it’s almost a crime to even provide RIYL references such as FF, Simon & Garfunkel or Crosby, Still & Nash, because Husky has a highly original sound that truly copies no other band. The vocalists are all excellent — resulting in extraordinary harmonies. Creative songwriting and meticulous arrangements are led by vocalist and band founder, Husky Gawenda. The 13-song set list of “Ruckers Hill” was reportedly culled from 50 compositions written for the album and it sounds like it — every track is outstanding. Even this early in the year, I know this will undoubtedly be one of my top albums of 2015.
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 5, 1, 3, 13, 8, 6, 11, and 7. No FCCs detected.

1. (4:00) Ruckers Hill – Leisurely drifts to begin, showcasing the band’s deep, crystal-clear harmonies. Song shifts into a romp with about 90 seconds left. ***
2. (3:58) Saint Joan – The #4 single of the year in Australia in 2014. Jangly guitar over a fast-paced indie pop melody, with all kinds of hooks. Impossibly rich harmonies in the chorus, followed by more jangle. ****
3. (3:53) Heartbeat – More of a folk-rock sound with fingerpicked and strummed guitars. Railroad-riding rhythm kicks in with a reference to a train. Great lyrics throughout. “I thought I saw a vision of my youth/In the rearview mirror while I was looking for the truth.” ***
4. (2:51) For to Make a Lead Weight Float – Dramatic, intricate, slightly darker folk. More thought-provoking lyrics. Fingerpicked guitar and piano. Psych-like play-out, with organ and reverbed Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonies.
5. (3:28) I’m Not Coming Back – Great, melodic pop song about escaping and not returning. Crisp guitar. Sharp, upbeat rhythm. Lots of shifts in the melody. ****
6. (3:23) Mirror — Wistful, slightly melancholic folk. Guitar and piano, harpsichord and some strings. And again, oh those harmonies! ***
7. (3:56) Arrow – Slightly syncopated rhythm anchored by rolling drums. Jangly guitar. Hooky chorus. Infectious beat makes this the most danceable track on the album. ***
8. (3:35) Wild and Free – Starts as an airy folk ballad with strings and angelic chorus, and progresses in each stanza to bigger, more experimental sections with Gershwin-like, jazzy piano riffs. ***
9. (3:56) Fats Domino – Gentle, acoustic, piano-based folk. Lyrics are about the changes we all go through, but especially focused on the challenges of a songwriter when working on a new album.
10. (4:03) Leaner Days – Banjo and mini toy piano highlight this bouncy, multilayered folk-rock song. Different from any other track on the album — breaks the flow in a good way.
11. (3:46) Drunk – Upbeat, optimistic folk-rock. Strong backbeat rhythm. Piano and jangly guitar. Buzzy synth. Pleasant vocals. ***
12. (4:08) Gold in her Pockets – Traditional strummy folk, but with really complex, layered choruses that include intricate drum patterns and brass. Some banjo as well.
13. (4:09) Deep Sky Diver – Great closer! Heartfelt, fragile melody written for a friend who was lost in her life at the time. Simple and rich, in an early Simon & Garfunkel way. ***