A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.
With Hello Hum Wintersleep have created a powerhouse record. Over a decade into their career this is some of the strongest work they have put out as a band. Featuring a number of strong songs that pull you along with them, offset by more downbeat but equally grabbing material, it is a band's album. Percussion plays a huge role as it tumbles along, both steadily and creatively at the same time - even the shaker is employed well as a driving force on songs like Resuscitate and Unzipper. The opener, Hum, has a je ne sais quoi that makes it play more of an introductory role than a standalone song and properly sets the scene for the journey ahead, starting with an amazing trifecta of In Came the Flood, Nothing is Anything and Resuscitate. Not only is the music suited to be electrifying live (as it is) but also stands its own as a record of note. Wintersleep may already have a strong back catalogue but here they prove they are not resting on their laurels but continuing to push their legacy - a legacy that upon future reflection will see this this record as a highlight.
Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.
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