Saturday, August 26, 2017

“Manea” by The Howl & The Hum – A Song Review

     “Manea” is evidence of what would occur if members of Alt-J were to morph into the members of Radiohead within the length of one song. Admittedly, the first portion of the track is more Alt-J than the second portion is Radiohead. But a post-morph change to more closely approach Radiohead would probably mean modifying the guitar/bass that is our favorite part of “Manea.”

     The Howl & The Hum released “Manea” as one of three tracks on an EP entitled “Godmanchester Chinese Bridge.” All three songs are arguably the strongest on the EP. We side with the argument for “Manea” because of the forcefulness in the vocals and the brooding in the guitars.

     The band is based in York, UK. The members of The Howl & The Hum are Sam Griffiths (vocals, guitar), Conor Hirons (guitar), Bradley Blackwell (bass), and Jack Williams (drums). Quoting a portion of the email submission from Toast Press:
   “Across their debut EP, The Howl & The Hum draw on sounds which feel simultaneously epic and intimate, uplifting yet melancholic: from the experimental, electronic textures of The Cure or Massive Attack to the atmospheric, transatlantic rock of The National, via a love of classic songwriters like Townes Van Zandt. Four university friends from four different walks of life, performing as The Howl & The Hum was first inspired by Ginsberg's poem 'Howl', which is the call, with 'the Hum' appearing to be a more modern response. The band then introduced themselves with the emotional video to 'Godmanchester Chinese Bridge', which was created using footage that singer Sam found of his grandparents' golden wedding anniversary from the year before he was born (with their anniversary-waltz reconnecting him to a couple who have long since passed away).”

     “Manea” by The Howl & The Hum 



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