Death Hickey Blues

Although the music on this four-song EP doesn't skimp on commercial elements, it's actually quite an odd hybrid. For the most part, lead singer Nasir Malik's vocals sound as if they've been fueled by ramen — but the music he makes, along with guitarists Samuel Pritchett and Joshua Lee and...

By Michael Roberts

July 2, 2009

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Although the music on this four-song EP doesn't skimp on commercial elements, it's actually quite an odd hybrid. For the most part, lead singer Nasir Malik's vocals sound as if they've been fueled by ramen — but the music he makes, along with guitarists Samuel Pritchett and Joshua Lee and a brotherly rhythm section featuring Willie and Brad Berryman, features bits and pieces from widely assorted styles. "The Fall" combines big-rock guitars, pure-pop verses and occasional jam-band fillips; "Under My Head" includes a touch of "Theme From Shaft" wah-wah; "Fly By" sports harmonica and other acoustic touches; and "The Rain Is Gone" nods to modern country. Such schizophrenia makes for a ride that's not nearly as smooth as the boys' harmonies. No wonder Raleigh St. boasts more promise than coherence.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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