HUM - Inlet 2xLP (180g)

Label: Earth Analog Records

After a 22 year silence, the legendary space-rock group Hum have finally arrived with a surprise new album. The new album, Inlet, was released unceremoniously on Bandcamp, but it took little time for the news to go viral. Based out of Champaign, Illinois, the band is best known for classic albums like 1995’s You’d Prefer an Astronaut , and have since become a staple of 90’s alt-rock. Inlet is a sonic journey, guided by huge riffs and heavy atmosphere.

Despite the passage of time, Hum has retained an energy that feels new yet distinct and authentic. The band seems most comfortable writing at tempos reminiscent of stoner metal acts like Earth. “Desert Rambler” sounds like a perfect name for the nine minute opus, yet everything feels purposeful. Transitioning from sludgy guitar to droning ambience, Hum are masters of creating worlds within a single song. From modern shoegaze groups like Cloakroom and Narrow Head, the impact of Hum is incalculable. Though it’s easy to be wary of a reunion album, Inlet offers exciting and welcome surprises, proving the groups staying power.