For full transparency, I must share my connection with Ian, the frontman and creative driving force of Rock/Indie band ‘The Hiker’, as this will prove pertinent throughout the review. I have met Ian multiple times in the last 5 years, starting with a confusing encounter at an old band’s gig, where he greeted myself and Ben with familiarity, despite it being our first interaction. Quickly, he informed me he had come to check out the show, as he followed the now-defunct podcast ‘Indie And A Show’ - which would later grow into this website. 

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A true advocate of independent musicians, I began to see him numerous times after, representing local artists at many smaller events. When we conceptualised IAAS Music, we knew a key component would be live coverage, and The Hiker (or more accurately Ian, due to several lineup changes) performed at our first gig we ever covered. You can read about that show here. The article that followed (Are the Bourbon Massive?) would discuss the juxtaposition between The Hiker and the unfortunate headliner act. The Bourbon Massive are now defunct, and at risk of going against a core IAAS value of being positive about independent artists, will not be missed by myself. They had the charisma of Chris Martin from Coldplay and were clearly very talented, but they lacked sincerity to an almost insulting level. 

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Ian and previous members of The Hiker performing at Purple Turtle in 2024 

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The opener of that cold night in 2024, however, had a very different take on music. We spoke at length about his journey to music, tackling mental health and using creative writing and performance as an outlet of emotion and anchor for mental wellness. We had plenty of constructive feedback and criticism, but the relationship between band and music was radiant, creating an amazing and captivating performance. Every drop of feedback we gave was soaked up by Ian, desperate to better himself as a performer and writer, a testament to his commitment to the arts. 

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So, we fast forward a couple of years. Our podcast stops running, but IAAS Music has developed into a website I’m really proud of. So when our submissions queue had a message written with Ian’s familiar and friendly tone, I was immediately excited to check out how his journey as an artist was going. The single we review, Sometimes, starts with an 80’s sounding intro, with a dragged flanged guitar solo. A more rhythmic and pacy guitar backs it up, again sounding similar to intros of ever buddy-cop drama from the 80s. The production is not just a step up from previous submissions - this song sounds absolutely massive. I will strive towards impartial journalism always, but in the name of transparency, I pumped my fists at the first wave of epic instruments in this track. Sounding like nostalgic eighties music, blended with more recent Pop/Punk artists like Paramore, is a hell of a feat. Ian’s lead vocals sound brilliant too. Always leaning more raw in production (as it should be in Rock/Punk!), the vocals are confident and impactful, utilising his accent as a tonal cornerstone. 

Ian and previous members of The Hiker performing at Purple Turtle in 2024 

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The only critique I would give is to do with the repetition of “Sometimes”. Definitely amplified by multiple listens back-to-back, I think I wished the anchor would be raised and the song drift away after the first minute. But I’m nitpicking! Think of all the shallow pop songs that revolve around a single phrase. This is far from those; instead this is the result of years of Ian honing his craft. Those invested in his journey would feel a great pay-off hearing this track. It shows a level of musical maturity and dedication to the art of musical creation. 

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