Hip Route - Wishing Pool

So a bit belated, but here is another article I wrote for Avenue 61. Hip Route have a proper West Country/pop/folky urban type sound going on, think Jason Mraz and such like. They are quite good, not too much my thing though, I like things a little bit more original.. but they are still a nice easy listen!

West Country three piece Hip Route are a refreshing pop/soul/blues/acoustic mix of most genres, with yet a comfortable sound that makes for easy listening. Having played with Jason Mraz and Newton Faulkner is understandable as they all sound as though they are from the same musical acoustic family, whether it was intentional or not, they definitely sound like influences or cousins. They notable write on their MySpace that their influences include rappers Jurassic 5, pop star Jack Johnson and soul legend Bob Marley, all which are evident from the band’s melodic tunes and gruffly yet buttery vocals.

It is clear from their songs that Hip Route live to play music and play music about their life, it seems relaxed yet confident. They don’t appear to strive for the limelight and fame unlike most other new bands at the moment, they want to chill out and want you to chill out with them. This laid back attitude also seems to apply to their commitment to the band, as most of them have solo projects and appearances going on. Yet these breaks don’t affect the loyalty and productiveness of the band, whereas it would to any other high profile band. They have a self released debut album ‘Working on Hope’ which reinforces their message of peace and general tranquillity, which they say is “selling well” and has received many positive reviews.

Song ‘Wishing Pool’ refers to the money issues in day to day life, but with little regret and putting money as a low priority. It opens with an acoustic, sweet, head nodding guitar melody setting good “vibes” as they would say. Then the drums kick in creating a Jack Johnson/Jason Mraz setting, however what differs from them is lead singer Jim’s vocals. His gruffly voice is miles away from the generic pop singer drabble, leaning the sound towards the Blues category and keeping the attention of the listener/watcher. This unique quality is perhaps why he also has success as a solo artist; Jim has been on a solo tour throughout January and is releasing his own material this year. ‘Wishing Pool’ is a song about lacking money but clearly not lacking faith and hope, like the title of their album, evident with lines like “My pockets are empty... put my last penny in a wishing pool” and “All the money you’ve been throwing at me/wouldn’t make me smile/just makes my happiness bleed”.

A genuinely warm hearted band with honest intentions in their music; simply playing to any audience anywhere. With West Country guitar twangs seeping through their music, at the moment they are sticking to their roots and you can catch singer Jim in Bournemouth, Poole, Exeter and Bristol throughout February.