The Hicks Named after legendary comedian “Bill Hicks†The Hicks reflect Bills mantra of honesty and integrity. This is evident both musically and lyrically as the band aspires to write sincere music that defies easy categorisation.
IN THE BEGINNING
After playing together previously for 7 years in the band “Vivid†Alex Hurst (guitar & vocals) and John Briscoe (drums) decided it was time for something new and in the spring of 2003 The Hicks was formed.
Being just a two piece at this point Alex and John were reluctant to get anyone in to fill the gap of bass guitarist, as we know bass players are easy to come by but they didn’t just want a bass player but someone who could also play guitar and get involved in the writing process. Their search was finally over when they decided to recruit the long term friend Paul Dean.
After only a short time together the band had written a collection of songs which appeared on their first recording. This self titled EP showcased The Hicks well but unfortunately did not carry the required rounded edgy sound the band was looking for.
In 2005 The Track “Gravedigger†had the eagerly awaited music video released, having been let down by up and coming film makers the band decided that they would film it themselves.
In the same year a live performance was recorded at the venue “The Tavern†and as you listen back you can hear the energy in the music that even Mr Bill Hicks would be proud of himself, after all if you aren’t turning your self on and expanding your mind with your own music then you may as well PACK UP NOW.
The Hicks are a well rehearsed band but in retrospect they are all in it for the music, as their own worst critics and having scrapped 5 tracks and re wrote 6 tracks in the space of three months, this is evident when you watch them live as you get the sense that they are pushing themselves to their maximum ability.
In 2007 The Hicks finally got the chance to finish “PLAN B†their 3rd release, due to a busy gigging schedule at the time, they recorded this masterpiece live and mixed it in 5 hours at there own studios URBAN SOUND.
Gigging was the main focus for The Hicks in 2007 and in 2008 they decided it was time to be let loose on the festival circuit. For The Hicks playing the festival circuit seemed like 2nd nature and if possible even their live set seemed to flourish more so than the smaller intimate venues that I have managed to catch them at. The festivals attracted a mainstream audience and it was very bizarre yet enjoyable to see The Hicks mobbed by people ranging from ages 12 to 50 after their show.
The festival gigs led to a support slot with signed metal band The Inbreds, playing Manchester’s and Liverpool’s finest unsigned venues and with Camden town calling The Hicks ventured to London and once again made an impact with the local music fans and promoters.
The Hicks are ultimately a LIVE band with over 100 gigs under their belt they have been playing the unsigned scene for too long and tire of hearing the words “WHY ARE YOU PLAYING HERE, YOU SHOULD BE MASSIVE.
Having 9 new tracks to record with 3 in production The Hicks are currently filming a music video to their track “TRIPPING HIPPY†release date to be confirmed.
When I last interviewed The Hicks, they told me of their frustration that they are only able to be part of the music scene part time and the one thing that all of The Hicks want is to be able to take this to the next step. Having previously stated The Hicks are a LIVE band and that is the one goal they will continue to pursue.