Howard Hello - s/t

Howard Hello
EP
Temporary Residence Ltd.
Grade: A-

This four-song EP serves as Don’t Drink His Blood – The Epilogue in many respects for the brilliant collective that is Howard Hello. After releasing last winter’s lovely Don’t Drink His Blood, headmen Kenseth Thibideau and Marty Anderson went on to focus on other musical projects. For Thibideau this included Pinback and also a prog-metal endeavor Sleeping People. Anderson has focused on a double-album for his outlet Okay. When Thibideau had the desire to follow up quickly on Howard Hello music, Anderson said ‘and with my blessings, for now’ allowing Thibideau to create on his own. Bringing in a familiar group of players including Zach Hill on drums, Amber Coffman, Chelsea Rose and Shizuka Hyashi, Thibideau unleashes ambient pop bliss. The EP opens on “More of the Same” and closes on “Even More of the Same” that most obviously follows the previous record with the wall of voices echoing ‘do, do….’ The second track, entitled “Interlude,” has a slightly darker ambient feel, while “Follow” is nearly a straight-up rock song for Howard Hello. As something to tide you over until Howard Hello’s next full-length, this EP is perfect.