Hookworms - Micro Shift
Last time I listened to Hookworms was a good while ago. I remember being impressed but not totally won over by the post-punk-psyche-noise of The Hum. In the four years since, the five-piece have taken a quantum leap forward, discovering a knack for strong melodies and catchy choruses.
Negative Space is a euphoric slice of dreampop. Static Resistance comes on like Franz Ferdinand covering Mogwai’s Mexican Grand Prix. Ullswater is squelchy, twisted pop in the vein of Beta Band or Django Django with a chorus reminiscent of Secret Machines’ Lightning Blue Eyes. On first listen, the Eno-esque ambient of The Soft Season and Reunion are slight but grow with repeated spins, whilst Opener (perversely in the middle of the album) is a lengthy exercise in gripping krautrock. Boxing Day adds Sonic Youth guitar skronk to the mix. Closer Shortcomings has a hint of Madchester baggy about it and may just be the best song here. In fact, of the nine songs here, it is only the electropop of Each Time We Pass doesn’t grab my attention.
It may only be January but I’m prepared to bet that this will be in a good few best of 2018 lists come the end of the year. Get in early and get this now.
9/10
