REVIEW: Nick Andrea – ‘ve*hic*u*lar’

Nick Andrea’s ‘ve*hic*u*lar’ is the kind of EP that demands you lean in, headphones on, and let the narrative sweep you along. Across six tracks, Andrea revives the spirit of classic American music while boldly charting his own path, fusing rock, blues, jazz, and country with an ease that feels both timeless and thrillingly contemporary.

From the opening surge of ‘Vehicle’, with its jazz-rock horns dancing between guitar riffs and vocals, it’s clear this is both a homage and a reimagining of his influences. Andrea’s raspy and soulful voice commands attention like a storyteller narrating a gritty, cinematic saga. His vocals lend each song a human heartbeat that makes the EP feel lived-in and vividly real.

Tracks like ‘Little Hottie’ and ‘Guilty of the Worst’ highlight Andrea’s genre-hopping confidence, moving from playful brass-fuelled grooves to earthy, hillbilly-infused rock, all without losing cohesion. The piano-driven ‘(Ballad of the) Unrepentant Child’ slows the pace, offering a moment of introspection and emotional resonance that balances the EP’s more raucous energy. Meanwhile, ‘Little Hottie’s Revenge’ delivers cinematic tension with a bold trumpet line grounded in steady rhythm, pulling us deeper into Andrea’s rich sonic world.

The closing track ‘The Bill is Coming Due’ lands as a country-tinged and reflective finale to the release. It’s a fitting farewell to an EP that thrives on the contrast of rowdy yet tender, theatrical yet intimate, adventurous yet grounded.

‘ve*hic*u*lar’ is an audacious statement of musical identity. Nick Andrea demonstrates a fearless approach to blending genres while keeping the heart of the music alive, crafting an indie record that’s as cinematic as it is soulful. Each track feels purposeful, layered, and alive, making ‘ve*hic*u*lar’ an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes of rock, jazz, blues, and beyond.