Hookworms - The Hum
Hang on, this could get trippy.
With their debut album Pearl Mystic, Leeds based Hookworms produced a decent if unmemorable racket. Sophomore release The Hum offers up a slightly more melodic and celebratory take on their sound but is, for the most part, forgettable. On first listen I found this an exciting fusion of spacerock, krautrock and stoner rock. Throughout, there are strong suggestions of Black Mountain Hawkwind and Amon Duul, with hints of early Floyd, Can, Neu! and even Goat. The problem is that very little sticks in the head, even after repeated listening. The likes of The Impasse, On Leaving, Beginners and Off Screen leave no lasting impression. The fact that the songs segue without gaps doesn't help. Then along comes closer Retreat. Bassist MB and drummer JW lock into a motorik groove, MJ’s sometimes annoying yelp suddenly fits perfectly as do his keys and the guitars of SS and JN join to make a superb piece of psychedelic rock that would sit comfortably on many a classic album.
More like The Retreat, and this would be strong challenger for album of the year. As it is, I expect the band are substantially better live than in the studio.
6/10
