In 2007, Hijak Oscar brought something different to T4’s MobileAct unsigned. Far from the indie scene the show seemed to attract, their mix of blues and good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll propelled them towards the final few rounds. Their aim, they claimed, was not to win the competition, but rather to play their music to the masses. This is what they did, and two albums in, they remain unsigned. After listening to BlackSheepMoneyBox, the question is, why?The album kicks off with a mock news report, the kind you might imagine if aliens really did come to Earth a la War of the Worlds. The sounds of panic and confusion, gives way to Social Immunity, a stormer of a track: energetic and exciting in equal measures, proving that Hijak haven’t lost that spark between albums.
Next we have Lifetime Guarantee, a decidedly old-fashioned, harmonica- driven affair, displaying Hijak’s versatility and showing how they have grown since their first album, now encompassing the wide range of sounds available when playing blues.
Greed once again sees Hijak return to the hard-rocking blues we all know and love. New vocalist Gaby Milner really shows what she is made of on this track, and what a welcome addition to the band she is. Her voice, silky in comparison to Tim Fox’s rough, gravelly tones, holds the song together, as the guitar and piano duel in a fiery, bluesy battle to the death.
Cral Heathen is a fist-pumping anthemic piece, again proving that Hijak Oscar have lost none of the energy and talent which has attracted them so many devout followers over the years. (And it’s not often the words “fist-pumping” are used to describe a blues song!)
Undoubtedly one of the stand-out tracks on the album, Reunion Ball is a short 2 minute long piano led track that screams Hijak Oscar! All the elements that fans of the band have come to know and love are here; Milner and Fox’s vocals brilliantly intertwining over some hardcore blues.
The albums title track then begins slowly and regularly switches between slow blues and fast pulsing rock, containing more ups and down in one single track than most albums, before leading onto the old fashioned, harmonica-based stylings of Down in the Valley.
Rambling On again represents classic Hijak Oscar with chunky guitar riffs and hard-rocking blues aplenty. At just under 3 minutes, this is a piece of blues-rock perfection nestled in towards the end of the album.
Child then displays a more sombre side to Hijak Oscar’s repertoire, with acoustic guitars and harmonica bringing a welcome rest to the listener, before Last Chance Saloon throws them back in the deep end.
Album closer Ten Thousand Questions begins with a delicious harmonica riff, which leads into a song that blues masters like John Mayall and Stan Webb would be proud of. A thrilling end to an enthralling album.
Fans of Hijak Oscar may fear that the band cannot live up to such excellent tracks as Bitter Carnival, Disciple of Time and Dollar Bill from their debut self-titled album. Those fears are quashed, however, after one listen to this fantastic album. Full of musical ups and downs, highs and lows, this really is an audio extravaganza, and a welcome addition to any blues, or rock, fan’s collection.
BlackSheepMoneyBox is available from the band’s website and iTunes, as is their self-titled debut.
For more information check out http://www.hijakoscar.co.uk/ or www.myspace.com/hijakoscar
Band photo by Amy Gascoigne
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