Review: Hear Hums “EP”

18 Sep 2013 — Andi Wilson

This one feels a little personal. Almost as if tree roots grew from my limbs and these songs represented the soil and ground. Experimental Gainesville, FL trio, Hear Hums, made up of Mitch Myers, Kenzie Cooke, and Brian Bo revive with their third release, EP. Myers, is also leader of Peace Arrow (who recently released an incredible album, ↑↓↑↓). The essence of this EP in particular sends reminders of Animal Collective's Sung Tongs. Even though the sounds are comparable, instead of any lyrics Hear Hums use all kinds of vocalizations, establishing a profound relationship between the listener and intimacy shaped in each track. 

Bird chirpings and light-hearted pluckings introduce the opener, "Black Strings Bliss" shortly transitioning into "Porch Pursuits" with snaps, swirling styles of anything but words, and a cheerful, quirky flavor of noises. This pattern continues into "Ceiling Scraper", introducing the lovely vocals of Cooke. All sounds transpire back and forth, drum beats heavily rotate with random xylophones chimes and scrapings of random percussion. "Forever Treasure Friends" is the track where the roots of my tree (mentioned earlier) begin to dissolve into the soil. It is so uplifting to hear a song that consists of such intensity, while at the same time preserving peace. Moving on to "Root", my imaginary roots are dug so into the ground that the leaves are now blooming from its branches. The tension builds and eventually falls into the most comforting place, like reading a passage from your favorite novel. "Dumpster Find" picks up with complete boscage vibes that bubble around with more random percussion and silliness. "Crib Crawl" is probably the most extreme song. Hearing a cat's shrieking meows combined with an increased volume in chanting/coughing makes for an uncomfortable innervation that fits into the collection of songs just right. We end with "Adapt" where I picture it being 4am. The party is over, but the birds return, opening their beaks to start a new day. This EP takes me through an adventure of nostalgic childhood, which I don't feel bad about for one moment. 

 EP was just released from Northern Utah label, Inner Islands. You can order a cassette here. 

Stream and download Hear Hums' EP and follow by watching the video for "Porch Pursuits" below.