“You’d Prefer an Astronaut” from Hum is a fine example of blending aggressive guitar music with ethereal sounds. It came at a time when grunge rock was on the rise in America and Britpop was a huge success in the UK, forcing bands that fell into the emerging “Shoegaze” sound to take a back seat.
It is very apparent that Hum took inspiration from bands such as Slowdive, Chapterhouse, and My Bloody Valentine. However, Hum’s “You’d Prefer an Astronaut” has more of a personal, retrospective approach to it. Lead singer Matt Talbot brings a flavor to the vocals that makes it distinctive from other “Shoegaze” acts.
The single “Stars” is probably one of the best examples of mid-90s Alternative rock. While it may be one of the most forgotten songs of the era, it deserves to be remembered. The song is not only backed with frantic riffs, it is also not sparse enough to be considered emo.
“Stars” contains that level of 90s depression-filled angst, this time about a lost love that leaves the listener with equal parts sadness, anxiety, and a hope for some kind of resolution to the story the narrator is sharing. Unfortunately, that happy ending does not come.
It is unfortunate that Hum is overshadowed by the popularity of other bands from the mid-90s. They are one of those bands that showed the world what was coming. Without Hum, there would be no Deftness, Deafheaven, etc.
“You’d Prefer an Astronaut” is a diamond in the rough. The album is a product of alternative rock that is beautiful and a pure must-listen.
Must Listen To Tracks: Stars, The Pod, I’d Like Your Hair Long
Purchase “Hum”, You’d Prefer an Astronaut on Amazon
