In Streams

Beginning with the swarming, spaced-out opening chords of "Life Begins," former Hum singer/guitarist Matt Talbott set out on a new musical path with his new band, Centaur. The song's lyrics clearly show that Talbott was happy to move on with his new band, with Sixteen Tons drummer Jim Kelly and National Skyline bassist Derek Niedringhaus. In Streams is clearly Talbott's baby, as he performs lead vocals, guitars, percussion, and keyboards. From the emotional uplift of "Wait for the Sun" to the methodical and powerful contemplation of "The Same Place," Talbott and his bandmates alternate styles throughout the disc, and much of it rivals or surpasses much of Hum's best work. "Placencia" stands out as Talbott's strongest vocal performance of the disc, as he casually sings over steadily rising instrumentation. His vocals are surprisingly in the spotlight throughout — they are clear and in the forefront, unlike the layered vocal mixes of his previous band. "Thimbles" is a swirling sonic masterpiece as Talbott openly confronts the pain of losing a child, and "Fields" is an unwavering rocker. The 13-minute title track closes the disc with the familiar hard rock influences, while synthesizers add a surprising touch. The song often changes momentum, and Talbott's vocal yearnings and textured guitar work combine to create the song's undeniable value. The eight-song disc was recorded with producer Keith Cleversley in Illinois in late 2001 and early 2002 and was released by Martians Go Home Records in 2002.