Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Wintersleep specializes in indie rock with an experimental bent. I came to this band's music through the solo work of guitarist and lead vocalist Paul Murphy who released a self-titled album under the name Postdata back in 2009. His work as Postdata was much more on the quieter, acoustic side while Wintersleep focuses on electrified rock, but Hello Hum is still filled with plenty of melody amongst its noisier moments.
This is the fifth full length album for the Canadian quartet, this time with production credits shared by Scottish producer Tony Doogan and Dave Fridmann, perhaps still best known for his work with The Flaming Lips. And you can hear some of that influence in the fuzzed out guitars, dizzying electronics and grandiose moments.
There are a couple slower songs on Hello Hum that fit in nicely with the other material. "Saving Song" is a pretty acoustic based ballad while "Someone, Somewhere" is a soulful track. But it is the rock material that shines the brightest. "Permanent Sigh" is a gem with heavenly harmonic vocals to close it out. "Zones" is the other ace track here with a monumental chorus of 'ahs' that will stay stuck in your skull. "Nothing Is Anything (Without You)" sails along with its catchy chorus while "Resuscitate" is a shuffling rock track that closes with an epic burst of feedback and buzz. An album that may take a couple listens to sink in, but once it does you're hooked for good.
Hello Hum was released June 12, 2012 on Roll Call Records.
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