Hirameka Hi-Fi - The Imperfect Approach - 7

Labels: Gringo
Review by: Andy Malcolm

Now this is good. The best stuff I have heard from these guys in a while. “The Imperfect Approach” is so blatantly influenced by Chris Leo, with excellent urgent spoken vocals (HH are one of the few UK bands I’ve heard who remotely know how to do spoken vocals). Musically it’s mostly akin to the Lapse than anything else Leo did, relying on post-hardcore rhythms, and some smart bass that just sits behind the music to push things a long. The music darts around from edgy and incisive when there are no words being spoken, then slides into the backseat during the talky bits. The other track, “Self Starter”, blazes out of the starting block at quite a pace, frantic jangling guitar, and some more great bass work. Breaks down into moody subduedness for the spoken parts, but always picks up the pace again. I like this a lot.

Top notch stuff from the Gringo stable, as ever.