Now, here is a band that likes to have a lot of fun. In fact, they like to have so much fun that I don't think that they could quite decide on what style of music to play. Pick It Up contains so many styles of music that if you asked me to describe what style this band is, I would have a hard time putting a label on it.
This album has everything from "beefed-up" later 60's sounds (I thought I heard the Doors in there), late 70's southern rock sounds, folk tendencies, dance themes, and even Irish tunes and loony tunes. Alright, to sum it up--the band is rock. I guess I'm just not used to hearing such a wide range of rock influences on one album.
If I had to compare Hokus Pick Manouver to other Christian bands, I would probably say that their style is a cross between Jacob's Trouble (yet not so jangly), The Stand, and (very little) The Newsboys. Granted, these are probably bad comparisons, but this is a really hard album to categorize. Hokus Pick Manouver is not bad, but their inexperience shows. Musically, they display talent, however Russ Smith's lead vocals are not very impressive. They carry with them an immaturity which lacks clarity, but I believe this falls upon the inexperience of the band.
Lyrically, Hokus Pick Manouver is strong though subtle. With songs cleverly titled "I.B.I.J.I.T.O.F.W." and "I.G.Y.F.T.C.H." ("I Believe In Jesus In The Old Fashioned Way" and "If God's Your Father Then Call Home" respectively) they take their stand for Christ and make His message known. I enjoyed their music, but as each song in its own right. It was hard for me to put it all together and accept it as coming from one group. Maybe I'm just a stick in the mud. After all, variety is the spice of life, and if you like this spice, give Hokus Pick Manouver a listen.
Other coverage for this album
Syndicate Nov/Dec 1992Reviewed by Brian Quincy NewcombWhen you name your band Hokus Pick Manouver, you're likely trying to create a fun, safe environment for some humorous, energetic antics. Hey, it was worth a try, right? In reality H.P.M. only wants the appearance of a poor man's Newsboys, for the most part the visual direction of the project is its most interesting feature. With vocals mixed so far out front that the instrumentals sound like an…Similar sounding releases
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