Howard Hello - "EP"
(Temporary Residence 2005, TRR-79)
Howard Hello - "EP"
(Temporary Residence 2005, TRR-79)
From Aural Innovations #33 (March 2006)
This is Kenseth Thibideau (Species Being, Rumah Sakit, etc), whose contribution (as HH) to Temporary Residence Records' "Thank You" was possibly the best of that compilation. Rumah Sakit's was up there too, while Species Being's second album was a jam/post-psych classic. Ken's role in those band projects was mainly as bassist, improvisatory and compositionally, and now he sets out on his multi-instro own. Over four tracks the basic style is a simple, mellow, catching, non-abrasive, indie/new-age post-rock, with vocal contributions from a couple lady-friends who add to the slight Stereolab feel at times. Piano and harpsichord accompany the basic d/g/b format. The "Doot-Doot" crooning on a couple tracks borders on that jazz-lite style at times (my friend who likes that type of Pat Metheny loves the last tune). "Interlude" is more of an ambient-space piece with various layerings of soothing synth and guitar lines. Tune #3 "Follow" is also a semi-catchy ditty with cool blippy keys and nice dual chant from the girls. Solid. Hello Howard Hello.
For more information you can visit the Temporary Residence web site at: http://www.temporaryresidence.com.
Reviewed by Chuck Rosenberg