Hem - Funnel Cloud
as posts have been scarce the last couple of weeks (no more, sigh no more) a few things have slipped under my nose as a result of purely unreasonable discrimination. for instance. when i received the album by Brooklyn's Hem, i took one look at the name of the band and completely disregarded all other signs (antique gold frame, blue sky, hay grass, album name, bumblebee) and thought to myself: "ah, Hem. sounds like a bad metal band."

i kid you not.

three weeks later, after taking my first listen to track one, We'll Meet Along The Way, i truly laughed out loud at my own mistake. Hem is so far away from being anything that resembles metal, it's almost horrifying that i would have made that assumption (a bumblebee). it is some of the most beautiful alternative contry that i've heard in a long time. taking their cue from folk giants and story-tellers, they bring the best of steel and strings (beautiful violin work) to create a sweet country-lane soundtrack. Sally Ellyson's vocals are ripe for heartfelt, honest songs and are layered over melodies that can tear your heart out. by far the best moments on this album are those quiet and subdued ones, thoughtful delicacy rising up into bubbling human emotion. the sounds and feelings are universal and make it easy for positively anyone to hear something that holds fast to their ear. Funnel Cloud is a collection of natural images that conjure strolls in meadows, flower picking, apple orchards exploded in bloom and conversely an autumn breeze, a chilled day that turns warm just at noon, a city walk that is all to yourself. really quite beautiful.

::::don't just take my word for it, take it for a spin yourself.
Hem - We'll Meet Along The Way to be followed by:
Hem - He Came To Meet Me always a sucker for piano: my personal favorite.

Hem - Funnel Cloud *bonus track
Hem - Curtains **bonus bonus track - beautiful song right here.

to get the full repertoire (because you know they have it all) visit the Hype. you know it.

myspace loves you. Hem does too. check for tour info.
support their habits and buy their album and t-shirts, if you'd like.  shan  7:37 AM  |  view comments (1)