Rockus: D-Day
by Ben Leane
Rockus
Deborah Hocking bears her soul on this album, with only an acoustic guitar to accompany her vocals as she strums her way through 13 songs with a gentle folk-rock feel.
With a voice that is precise and easy to listen to, she caters to those that want their music the way it used to be — a pure expression of melody and poetry.
Most of the album flows along at similar pace, and seems simple when compared to most of what is played today, but has enough intensity and feeling to keep listeners interested. Hocking's music feels honest, and this is one of its best qualities. The only disappointing aspect of the album is that its only harmonies appear on the last track "Under the Sun", and it would be nice to hear more throughout the rest to add that extra layer. Her voice is strong enough to carry itself through the other songs however, with "Free Indeed" showing it off best.
D-Day is for lovers of pure acoustic music with soul.