Hump--This (1998)
Rating--6.0
A mixed bag of tricks from this indie-release band, as the music seems to shift from late-70s-distortion
Priest, to power-chorded Omen, to smoother Saigon Kick and
Hurricane, to acoustic-tinged Candlebox! Were you able to follow all of that??
Vocally the
band is strong, evoking images of throaty mid-80 singers such as the leadmen from Hurricane and perhaps
Lillian Axe. In all, lots of heavy-to-light shifts from song to song, and a lot of "aura" and atmosphere--especially on the
lighter tracks. At their best in the heavy moments, however.
"Nocturnal" has a powerful buildup to its chorus, and "Won't Be
Found" features a great energy pace. The stalking "Prey" is strong, while the acoustic-based "Romeo & Juliet" offers a smoother
approach.
The disc's top highlight in the drive groove of "Wonder Why," which comes across as pure Priest meets
Trouble. Nasty throughout...
The shifting of musical genres makes it a bit difficult to stay focused on the first few listens, but
later becomes a fresh asset for the band. But once again, still their best when at their heaviest.
TRACK LIST: Nocturnal/Won't Be Found/39 Dead/Wonder Why/Romeo & Juliet/Myself/This/Living the Dream/Prey/This Is
the Time/Believe in Me/Hump
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