The Hipocrats – Friend Ship Joyride
“I think that it’s the right place
I think that it’s the right time
To give yourself a break from all the worries of your mind.”
These are the words Sarah Brunner and Tyler McGinnis harmonize on The Hipocrats’ first full-length album Friend Ship Joyride, released on Aug. 2.
The Hipocrats don’t just share gorgeous acoustic melodies – they also share inspirational messages to help us all “steer our ship right,” just like this opening line from “Captain’s Orders,” which serves as a beautiful reminder that “you are the captain of your life.”
Produced by Chance McCoy (a former member of Old Crow Medicine Show), Friend Ship Joyride exemplifies just how much Brunner and McGinnis have evolved since their 2022 EP Road to Joy, collaborating on harmonies and themes which touch on prescient struggles involved with navigating the negative, often judgmental nature of today’s social media-addicted society. The track “YDGAF” doesn’t shy away from these frustrations, especially for creative artists:
“Who’s to say you didn’t earn the right
to celebrate the shining light you made
When all the haters say it’s luck
Just tell them you don’t give a…”
Brunner and McGinnis take turns showcasing their souls, like an old-time song swap, but they’re never alone. “Leaving” is McGinnis’ song, and is reminiscent of the Indigo Girls. It’s a break-up song that emphasizes conviction and acceptance: “sometimes leaving is the only way to love,” he sings. And Brunner is right there with him, giving the song and the spirit the right amount of support.
On “Go On Get” Brunner takes the reins, belting out aggressive, melodic angst, sounding like Joan Osborne with words fitting for an acoustic Jagged Little Pill. The inspiration behind the song, Brunner said, was to take a track like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and write it from one woman to another.
“Whiskey and Wine” is a seductive track that’s honest about the thrill – and the thirst – for bad decisions: “We could never make mistakes/Wicked sweet to the taste/Love me, love me, love me, love me and you’re mine/Starts with the whiskey and wine.” “Whiskey” also showcases McGinnis’ tasteful acoustic leadwork, which is just what the song needs. It’s at times flashy, but never too much.
“Trying Choices” reminds me of early Avett Brothers, both with McGinnis’ vocal delivery and the song’s lyrical content. The second verse hits especially hard: “Dehydrated motivation keeps me trapped inside the confines of my head/ And every day that passes I cast exponential blame upon myself/And my temperature is rising as I contemplate my state of mental health/But still I find a way to get up on my feet and start my day.”
The Hipocrats do a great job of switching gears, going from depressed to delighted. “Real Love” is the most romantic song on the record, and has sweet harmonies. McGinnis shows some incredible (and fun) vocal range here. The song is downright joyful, and full of clever lines like “Baby I’ve got baggage but I’ll carry it myself.” The melodies on this tune sound familiar, but are completely original. That’s also the case with the instrumental breakdown on “Me, Myself and You,” and is a big part of the Hipocrat sound. It’s a testament to their teamwork as songwriters. They can feel this, and they are listening to it, living their dream. That’s what “Music in My Mind” is all about – an ode to taking the plunge and believing in the music inside you, a “dose of modern medicine.”
This modern medicine may not be a cure-all, but it’s certainly a life-enhancer for all who take part in the magical journey, one that – for the Hipocrats – has only just begun.
In addition to producing the album, McCoy plays percussion, bass, fiddle, mandolin lap steel and more. Brunner sings and plays acoustic and McGinnis sings, plays acoustic and adds some harmonica (the perfect touch on “YDGAF”). Friend Ship Joyride was recorded at Hunter Springs Studio in West Virginia. It was mastered by Rachel Field.
Friend Ship Joyride is now streaming wherever you get your music. To purchase the album, and to find out when the Hipocrats are coming your way, go to https://thehipocrats.com/
Highlights: “Captain’s Orders,” “Go On Get,” “Trying Choices,” “Music in My Mind”
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: The Hipocrats take listeners on haunting, hopeful “Road to Joy”
