SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HANK HERNANDEZ – ME ON THE OTHER SIDE

HANK HERNANDEZ
ME ON THE OTHER SIDE
INDEPENDENT

Hank Hernandez is the latest project from the very talented Bryan Binnema. Hank Hernandez has an interesting sound, and the EP is full of very catchy, well-written rock songs that tips its hat to The Barenaked Ladies, Wilco, and country/pop. While he may not be breaking new ground with any of the songs, Hernandez has come up with five very exciting songs that really pack a solid punch.

The EP opens with the wonderful “Annie, I Think We Could Have Been Something”. It is a great way to open the proceedings, as it really sets the stage for what is about to happen. The song is full of catchy hooks and Hernandez brings the listener in with this song, and keeps one interested throughout the song and EP. Chiming guitars and great licks introduce the song, and the melody is quite interesting, not to mention some very clever lyrics. “I mean my Spanish is pretty bad…but Annie I think we could have been something, don’t you?” Amusing and it lets the listener know that this EP will be full of some fun songs.

This leads into the title track, “Me On The Other Side”, which explodes out of the gate and has a harder edge. Once again, it has a strong melody, and the arrangement is perfect for the song. The guitar driven pop song is the highlight of the EP. This is followed by the mellower “Big Blue Sweater”. It has a beautiful reflective nature to it, and the guitar work is quite striking. There are some lovely backing vocals and harmonies throughout the song.

“I’d Like To Hear From You” and “Just One More Goodbye” close out the EP. “I’d Like To Hear From You” has a brilliant retro feel, and again interesting guitar work. While “Just One More Goodbye” is a much slower love song that is a fitting end to the EP. The song is quite melancholic and reflective. The slide guitar adds a great deal, and the song is quite beautiful.

Hernandez has come up with a great, and far too short, EP. Me On The Other Side is full of great sound. Hernandez comes up with very catchy choruses and songs in general. Me On The Other Side is a bit of an earworm. When the EP is done, one very quickly starts from the beginning again. The EP does have an old vibe going on. These songs, while brilliant, are a bit out of time, and it does sound as though it was written and recorded well before 2024, and perhaps that is what makes it so interesting. Whatever the reason, Me On The Other Side harkens back to days when music was really a bit simpler but full of those choruses that stuck in one’s head for the long run.

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