What makes Inlet by Hum notable?

Upon its release, Inlet received widespread critical acclaim and marked Hum's return to the music scene, leading to a resurgence of interest in the band's unique blend of alternative metal and space rock. It was noted for its influence on the resurgence of shoegaze and post-rock sounds in contemporary music. Inlet is Hum's first album in over two decades, following their 1998 release, Downward Is Heavenward. The band reconvened after a long hiatus, showcasing their evolved sound while retaining the signature qualities that defined their earlier work.

How many songs are on Inlet?

Inlet has 8 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Inlet

Hum · 2020

55 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal guitar textures and atmospheric layers create a cosmic soundscape that melds introspection with expansive, heavy riffs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waves — The opening track encapsulates the album's atmospheric essence with its layered guitars and dynamic shifts, setting the tone for the entire listening experience.
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Desert Rambler — This track features extended instrumental passages that highlight the band's ability to create vast soundscapes, blending heaviness with serenity.
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Cloud City — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies Hum's skill in merging emotional depth with intricate musical arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Inlet combines atmospheric textures with heavy riffs, showcasing a mature sound while retaining distinct elements from their earlier work.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow build in 'Waves', layering guitars and synths before introducing vocals, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Tracks often feature extended instrumental sections that allow for gradual development of themes, particularly evident in 'Desert Rambler' and 'Cloud City'.
The final track, 'Shapeshifter', concludes with a lengthy outro that fades out slowly, leaving a lingering sense of space.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Step Into You

A pivotal shift occurs when the narrative voice transitions from abstract observations to direct confessions, enhancing the personal nature of the song.

This shift deepens emotional engagement, transforming the lyrical landscape from observational to intimate, thereby inviting listeners into a shared vulnerability.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Waves 5:30
2 In the Den 6:45
3 Desert Rambler 9:01
4 Step Into You 4:04
5 The Summoning 8:31
6 Cloud City 5:17
7 Folding 8:19
8 Shapeshifter 8:01

What to play next

Go back to

Downward Is Heavenward

1998

Full Hum discography Artists like Hum

alternative metal alternative rock space rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata