Hum: Uncrowned Kings of Grunge
There is absolutely no reason Hum should not be ranked among
bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, or Alice in Chains. Hum had two
major releases on RCA, videos on MTV, and radio play but for some reason never caught
on. It wasn’t lack of talent or vision. Many artists are not recognized in
their time. Hum’s fan base is still large today. An album of covers in tribute to HUM was released in 2011 and is now a collector's item in high demand.
Earlier this month presales of a vinyl re-release of their first major
album went on sale. Limited edition pre-orders are already sold out
(good thing I started writing this blog or I would have missed it!).
You’d Prefer an Astronaut, Hum’s first major release, show cased a style that is a distinct vision. Hum's sound is exemplified by the first track, "Little Dipper": a gradual building to a crash of reverberating guitar feedback held together by the calm and reflective lyrics of Matt Talbott. The attention to detail in editing makes what, if hurried, would be train wreck into a lush experience. The detail to editing allows for sonic translation of moods that are refined by lyrics; a whole array of emotion from introspective sorrow to outward aggression pour out. Hum is not light listening. Often abstract, all lyrics are open to interpretation. Talbott encourages interpretation never publishing lyrics. Talbott once said, "If you have a different interpretation that's near and dear to your heart, for god sakes keep it."
You’d Prefer an Astronaut, Hum’s first major release, show cased a style that is a distinct vision. Hum's sound is exemplified by the first track, "Little Dipper": a gradual building to a crash of reverberating guitar feedback held together by the calm and reflective lyrics of Matt Talbott. The attention to detail in editing makes what, if hurried, would be train wreck into a lush experience. The detail to editing allows for sonic translation of moods that are refined by lyrics; a whole array of emotion from introspective sorrow to outward aggression pour out. Hum is not light listening. Often abstract, all lyrics are open to interpretation. Talbott encourages interpretation never publishing lyrics. Talbott once said, "If you have a different interpretation that's near and dear to your heart, for god sakes keep it."
After achieving a footing with their first major release, Hum spent three years
perfecting a master piece that would be their final album and a commercial failure.
Downward is Heavenward received critical
praise: #81 of the top 100 albums of the 90s pitchfork magazine ,
“a lost classic of '90s rock, period”,
“Downward Is Heavenward actually scrubs off a layer of skin, yet Hum still manage to infuse grace and control into their skyward swirl”.
What really sank Downward is Heavanward was what makes it; the attention to detail in editing and recording. The band spent three years perfecting their work but after three years
any momentum was lost. Then,while touring to promote Downward is Heavenward the band and several members of the crew were in a motor vehicle accident cutting their tour in half.
The cancelled tour dates was the final nail in Hum’s coffin. They broke in 2000.
Hum left an obscure legacy of heavy introspective vibrations behind. Many fans are still die hard and wait for news of a return. Hopefully one day they will.
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