Album Review: Hum — Inlet (Written for Orlandoom)
If bands like Sleep, Slowdive, or even the prolific Black Sabbath have taught us anything, it is that it’s never too late to release new music. Sometimes bands miss the mark, while others exceeded all expectations. But for any band making a comeback, the goal is the same; to rekindle a flame that once flourished.
When a band is successful in this pursuit, we feel as though they never really went away. Instead, the artist reminds us that the music has been brewing in their head for years. Some artists sit on work for over a decade before they release it to the public.
Such is the case with Illinois post-rock outfit Hum, who took everyone by surprise after releasing Inlet, their first album in 22 years. To call it a surprise would be an understatement, and to put it simply, they hit the nail on the head with this one. The tonality that Hum achieves is massive, with the guitars dominating over everything else through sheer volume. All the other qualities sit mildly in the mix, though it works well for what the band is trying to accomplish.
Inlet is without a doubt an ambitious record, with songs like “Desert Rambler” clocking in at just over 9 minutes. Here, Hum effortlessly weaves between crushing riff worship and somber, spacey soundscapes. The instrumentation is extremely heavy, while the vocals are dream-like and distant, creating an oddly satisfying blend. “Desert Rambler” definitely works as a vital centerpiece for the album.
“Step into You” is far catchier and gets into territory more reminiscent of Hum as they were in the ’90s. The guitars stay heavy, but the song’s upbeat nature makes you want to dance — what could be better? It is a very balanced song and goes well in the middle of the album, to break it up just a bit.
Inlet offers a sense of nostalgia for Hum fans when it comes down to it but is certainly not an album that sounds like a “fan service.” This album will appeal to both old and new fans and rightfully sit high on many “2020 top album” lists.
