Album Review: Inlet

Formed in Champaign Illinois, HUM were one of the defining bands of the grunge-rock 90’s era, with a completely unique sound that made them stand out from the crowd. HUM rose to prominence with their second studio album You’d Prefer an Astronaut, with the hit song 'Stars' gaining mainstream attention, earning them a spot on MTV and even getting radio plays. 

Unfortunately the band has been relatively quiet and hasn’t released any new music for over 23 years, with their latest album Downward is Heavenward, which came out in 1997. That all changed this year with HUM’s return with the record Inlet, an 8-song belter that pulls no punches.

The album, which was lovingly described as a “rose in the 2020 concrete” over on YouTube, hits hard, with heavy instrumental sections that highlight HUM’s signature atmospheric sound.

Tracks:

HUM's Inlet opens strong with 'Waves' and remains strong the whole way through, with highlights such as 'Step Into You', 'In The Den' and 'Cloud City'. The album is typically riff-heavy (so no change there) and picks up effortlessly where the previous left off, ignoring the two decades in between. Though only 8 tracks long, each one is over 4 minutes and can reach up to 9 minutes, so there's value to be had in HUM's longer-than-usual song writing here too.  

1. Waves

Though the song is lengthy at 5:31, it isn't the longest on the record (see above). That being said there's no slow build up or subtle intro here, just a greeting that gets you straight into the song and sets the tone for the rest of the album.

2. In The Den 

A powerful song with repeating vocals, including possibly the best 'pre-chorus' on the record. "I hear them clicking across the stones. I feel they know that I'm all alone. The stars are strange and this isn't home."

3. Desert Rambler

Admittedly my least favourite song on Inlet and the longest, 'Desert Rambler' might just be too slow. The song does what many on the record do and goes from a heavy to a clean section (which is my personal highlight of the track). 

4. Step Into You

The powerhouse, 'Step Into You' melds great lyrics with iconic-sounding harmonised guitars to create possibly the best song on Inlet. The chords and solo are the most memorable here, and the chorus simply stands out - perfect for new listeners or existing fans. 

5. The Summoning

A slow rock anthem, 'The Summoning' has fantastic breaks but may be one of the least memorable, due in part to the general speed of the song. 

6. Cloud City

This song has everything a HUM fan could want, catchy guitar hooks supported by clear drums and impactful lyrics. The song also evolves during its run time making it shine, and is one of my personal recommendations. 'Cloud City' also features some of my favourite drumming on the album. 

7. Folding

A different sound to the rest of the record but keeping the same feel, 'Folding' starts with pure rock, then around the 3:30 mark shifts to a more relaxing tune before fading out with distorted guitars.

8. Shapeshifter

One of the best songs on the record lyrically, 'Shapeshifter' ends mixing slow, heavy guitars with a clean sound at around 5:00 that bids farewell to the listener. The song makes me think of life's struggles and how to try and overcome them, with lines about taking the forms of different animals. 

Check out the band on Bandcamp!

• A solid album and a welcome surprise, but doesn’t eclipse their best work to date in Downward is Heavenward (see tracks 'Dreamboat' & 'If you are to Bloom').

• For fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Failure.

Overall, Inlet is distinctive and blends nicely all the way through, keeping to HUM's unique style. There are only 8 songs yes, but none of it is filler; it's meant to be enjoyed as a full album - and individual track lengths make up for it. It's hard to believe that the band hasn't put out anything since their third album, but this feels like the right time to release Inlet; truly a rose in the concrete of 2020.