Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill

The local trio dip deep into the singer/songwriter well for their first EP. This trio present songs that sound like singer/songwriter songs, of stories and cute inflections of phrasing. They put them over a roots groove for an extra dimension and plans them firmly in Fremantle. It’s a fun EP with some catchy tunes, and Rachel Gorman’s voice is always delightful, but it does sound like they are still at the lower part of the hill. - Jacon Kenny, Drum Media

Having forged a steady following in WA, playing gigs at Southbound and various haunts around Perth and Fremantle, Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill have frolicked onto the music scene with their debut EP First of a Few, an infectious pop confection, sure to be loved by indie darlings across the state. Telling tales of leap-frogging, kite-flying and lost loves, the melancholic local trio explore an eclectic mix of musical forms from folk rock to hip hop while still maintaining a strong twee pop sensibility. Sweet, playful, and always charming, First of a Few stands a very good chance of proving itself one of WA’s finest indie-pop releases of the year. - Jennifer Petersen-Ward, X-Press Magazine

Next up for the evening was the folk/indie group RACHEL AND HENRY CLIMB UP A HILL. Yet another three piece stood out with vocalist Rachel Gorman’s unique, somewhat ‘Julia Stone sounding’ vocals. The three musicians swapped between the drums, ukulele, guitar and keys throughout the set, displaying some diverse talent between them. The huskiness of Gorman’s vocals were well paired with the folk/indie music behind it. The surprisingly smooth, well controlled vocals of drummer Vim Leaf accompanied by sweet harmonies between the two vocalists made for some easy listening. The act can easily be compared to ‘Angus and Julia Stone’, yet differing in some of the songs being upbeat. - Darielle Asch, Space Ship News

Act two, Rachel and Henry Climb a Hill. A cute name and a cute female vocalist to boot. Wearing war paint and shrouded in pink lighting front woman Rachel Gorman had a quirky lilt to her voice and played guitar, ukulele and shaker with a powerfully vigorous wrist. Contrary to their name neither male in the band is named Henry, Brett Crabtree and Vim Leaf (who just have to be names out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale) made up the final two parts of the trio that performed a set of pop splashed with reggae and a quick flick of the tongue.

- Faster Louder

Rachel and Henry Climb A Hill could have been better served with clearer articulation as their folk/reggae blend went over the heads of many present who could not decipher the speedily sung lines. Whisperings that Rachel Gorman does a first-rate Irish folk tune did make many hunger for more and hope to see some diversity in her upcoming sets.

As Gorman bounced around stage enjoying the light the melodic made an appearance with a musical quiz to introduce it. The harmonies of the vocals had a lovely singing in a round formation and on this occasion both Gorman’s male counterparts took time up the front showing what a multi talented group they are.

The final verdict was like comparing apples and oranges. Could the crowd favorites win out over the musically gifted or experienced performers? This reviewer thought the following bands were worthy of a final place: Rhapcity, Rachel and Henry Climb A Hill and Mister & Sunbird.

- Faster Louder

Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill were next up, first intriguing the audience with their eclectic look and set-up, before proceeding to delight them with an enchanting string of quirky and clever folk-pop offerings, most of which were iced with the gorgeous and eloquent vocal lines of lead singer Rachel. The entire group interacted well with the crowd and emphasised their diversity as they took turns on the mic and alternated instruments, although at times there was a slight lack of cohesion and dynamics within the otherwise carefully crafted and executed songs.

MIA ROBERTS - Drum Media