Hookworms – The Hum

The standard cliché for any musical artist is that the second album is always underwhelming and seldom satisfies the lofty expectations set by the first. Bucking this pitfall, Hookworms – a five-piece psychedelic/noise-rock band from North Yorkshire – manage to shore up and strengthen the sonic structures established on their 2013 debut Pearl Mystic.

Contrary to contemporary habits, the album demands a complete listening experience; the songs merge together remarkably effectively, with refrains recurring and hazy textures shimmering together in such a way that momentum and interest is maintained throughout the 37-minute running time, rather than allowing tedium to set in.

With the use of synth/Hammond organ to underpin the propulsive drive of the rhythm section, the album harks back to the likes of classic psych-rock bands Hawkwind and motorik group Harmonia, whilst also clearly being inspired by early-Primal Scream (on Radio Tokyo) and Spiritualized (on Off Screen).

If musical sub-genres flourish and re-flourish on a cyclical basis, it’s clearly alternative/psych-rock that appears to be enjoying a resurgence since the success of bands like Tame Impala, Alt-J and Goat. Hookworms are riding comfortably in this slipstream, perhaps not breaking new ground but certainly exploring sounds and aesthetic styles – hypnotic bass-lines, swirling fuzz and overblown vocals – in a way that is both engaging and exciting.

Though apparently the members of Hookworms don’t consider the endeavour of being in a band to be a full-time concern, they are certainly building a loyal fanbase, and on the evidence of The Hum are seemingly in full command of their forward direction.

Michael John

The Hum was released on 10^th November 2014, for further information or to pre-order the album visit here.

Listen to On Leaving here: