Hinkley's new album 'Heaven is High' takes a stylistic step

It has been eight years since Rochester alt-country rock band Hinkley first took the stage after releasing a compilation of songs entitled Listening for Breathing in 2002. Since then, the band has released an EP and two full-length albums— Estate Sale (2006) and the live-recorded Elephant Roundup (2009). These laid the stylistic precedent for a new sound from their latest full-length release Heaven is High.

“I think in the earlier years we were sort of a nineties kind of thing,” says lead singer-songwriter Will Veeder. “Not nineties from the grunge standpoint, but we wrote more indie rock type songs.”

With the addition of acoustic musician Gregory Paul and violinist Marlene Matthews, Hinkley became more established in the alt-country genre with a more “Wilco-y” sound. But with the shuffling of band members came a similar change in the music. Since Paul moved out of state and was replaced by the heavier-handed John DePuy (electric guitar) one year ago, the shift away from a strictly country folk sound has brought a transformation that makes its mark on this album more than ever.

“John has brought a whole different element to the songs—even some of the chiller ones you’re like, Wow, these are kind of rocking,” said Veeder.

When performing live, the band sometimes has three guitars playing at once, with members Jona Toll and Dennis Mariano switch off between guitar and bass. Drummer Charles Leport plays behind Veeder (guitar, vocals) who alternates with Mariano on Rhodes keyboard. The combination is a rich mix that goes beyond a slow folk pace.

At times, the infusion of indie rock on songs like “Lake of The Clouds 2,” which starts with simple banjo and tambourine before launching into a smooth, yet heavy ending, comes as a surprise.

The same sleepy folk whimsy still has its hold on “Dead Men” while others like “Walnut Fire” and the instrumental “Bounce House,” written by Leport, leave no room for fiddle or singing saw. It’s just good indie rock that’s unbound by a single genre. The staggered tempos of each song will keep you both engaged and interested in what the album has to say musically.

“I like to make the songs breathe a little bit and I guess it comes across as carefree and light,” said Veeder.

Hinkley’s CD release show for Heaven is High will take place Saturday, Aug. 14 at Abilene Bar and Lounge. For ordering information visit Hinkleysounds.com.