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Inlet
by
Inlet Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release for the Illinois alternative rock band was a surprise release.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    Jul 10, 2020
    90
    As dark and tonally blistering as anything they did in their early years, Inlet essentially finds Hum picking up where they left off in 1998.
  2. Under The Radar
    Jul 9, 2020
    85
    The overall weight of Inlet isn’t out of character, and in a way it can be seen as a channeling of their own sound through some of the bands they have influenced over the years. Hum are now a prime example among the bands from their generation that have made good on unfinished business and shown there are different ways to have longevity in music.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 2, 2020
    84
    To its general credit, this music doesn’t really belong to 2020, but neither is it a ‘90s time capsule: it’s a Hum record through and through, and its assurance as such is far more exciting than talk of timeframes, expectations or comebacks. Hum are right here.
  4. Beats Per Minute
    Jul 2, 2020
    81
    Hum may very well have just released the most pertinent post-lockdown record: it has claustrophobia embedded in its DNA and hysteria woven throughout. It’s weighty and suffocating, pressing down on our shoulders and restricting our airways with nothing more than brittle bones and exhausted lungs to keep it all from collapsing – then it releases us, just in time.
  5. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jul 2, 2020
    80
    Hum hasn't missed a step, giving light to why bands like Quicksand and Slowdive resonate with their loud/soft dynamic.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 2, 2020
    78
    This isn’t escapism, but a meditative retreat—give it an hour of your time and return to the material world more grounded than ever.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. je117
    Sep 28, 2020
    9
    Great record. The songs are very well-produced. A lot of the riffs are fantastic and I love how Hum have gone with a heavier rhythm guitarGreat record. The songs are very well-produced. A lot of the riffs are fantastic and I love how Hum have gone with a heavier rhythm guitar tone, in a similar vein to bands they have inspired like Narrow Head. The dreamy lead guitar lines are a standout feature in pretty much all the tracks, and really make the album what it is. Matt Talbot's vocals abilities may not be groundbreaking but I think his performance is perfect for the style of music and he is undeniably powerful on In the Den and Desert Rambler. His lyrics are as cryptic and engaging as ever.

    Inlet is definitely at the top of my AOTY list right now.

    My only gripe is I found two or so tracks at the tail-end of the record to be uninspired and mediocre sounding.    … Expand
  2. StevenX
    Nov 2, 2021
    8
    Hum is a good example (as is Swervedriver) of a band that don't travel far out of their initial sound but has had longevity because they knowHum is a good example (as is Swervedriver) of a band that don't travel far out of their initial sound but has had longevity because they know how to amp it up over the course of their career. While there aren't a lot of changes in the basics here, a mix of shoegaze and hard rock with mostly nearly deadpan vocals, it's all done well, and Easter eggs like the higher, passionate vocals for part of the 9-minute "Desert Rambler" and the stone drone voyage that is "The Summoning" prove that they just keep getting better and precise without sounding clinical or bored. There's a fireworks here on planet Hum that will reward repeated listenings, especially on headphones. Well done.… Expand
  4. Ffaj
    Jun 27, 2022
    8
    Очень хороший альбом, в духе downward is heavenward, есть цепляющие треки. Определённо стоит послушать, классно, что они вернулись спустяОчень хороший альбом, в духе downward is heavenward, есть цепляющие треки. Определённо стоит послушать, классно, что они вернулись спустя столько лет и не изменили своему стилю… Expand
  5. Miggy2017
    Jul 25, 2020
    0
    It's not good because this album is overproduced, bland, and boring to listen to.

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