Hello Hum

The subtle interplay of texture and mood that's long been a Wintersleep hallmark is again in evidence on Hello Hum. Loel Campbell’s bashing (but never excessive) drum work remains at the heart of things, grounding the band’s intriguing mix of aggressive rock guitars and atmospheric techno-pop synths. Hello Hum doesn’t compromise Wintersleep’s eclecticism, but it does refine it in appealing ways. Lead singer Paul Murphy is still a vivid yet elusive vocal presence, giving the songs cool elegance and ineffable yearning. “Resuscitate,” “Rapture,” “In Came the Flood," and similar tunes swirl and twitch rhythmically while the lyrics oscillate between sadness and wonder. The title track's fractured calypso beat, the Beach Boys-esque pop shimmer of “Someone, Somewhere,” and the reverb-drenched waltz time of “Smoke” will keep listeners pleasantly off-balance. While Murphy still prefers mystery to revelation, the wistful “Nothing Is Anything (Without You)” comes teasingly close to an openhearted love song.