On their third studio full-length, New York City’s Hem offer up a thoughtful selection of secular hymns to the lost and broken-hearted.

There is a fragile beauty in the delicate arrangements of Hem’s songs, and an often comfortably familiar tone, by turns evoking the melodies and moods of Bruce Springsteen (“Old Adam”), Tom Waits (“The Burnt-Over District”), and Counting Crows (“Not California”). Given Sally Ellyson’s vocals, however, it’s Cowboy Junkies who may be the most prominent aural analogue.

None of which is meant to imply that Hem are derivative, but rather to suggest that they share songwriting and arranging tendencies with some of America’s most idiosyncratic and respected songwriters.

This is an album best suited for the lonely late night hours; songs of romantic longing and wistful reflection; songs filled with heartache, yet shot through with hope; songs which feel old fashioned, yet are thoroughly modern.

At its best, listening to “Funnel Cloud” is like spending time with a dear friend in a time of need: easygoing, thought provoking, and both
comfortable and comforting.

Not California (MP3)

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MP3 posted with permission from Nettwerk Music Group.

About the author:  John Anderson is a SXSW addict, having attended "South-by" every year since 1999. His South-by geekery spilled over into the realm of blogging in 2006, and he is grateful to the Twangville audience for having indulged his South-by ravings since 2008.

by John Anderson in Americana, Playlists, Reviews