The Hokum – Mind Over Matter

By RingMaster Review on February 21, 2015 • ( 0 )

the hokum new band pic 1

With more than a feisty breath of eighties new wave to it, Mind Over Matter the new single from UK indie pop band The Hokum, is one of those encounters which either instinctively hits the sweet spot or at least tempts ears with a nostalgic flirtation. Certainly the song is just as boldly modern as it is seeded in former decades, but there is no escaping licking lips at its Sparks meets China Crisis meets Split Enz adventure.

Hailing from Sheffield, The Hokum is a quartet yet to trigger the kind of spotlight their sound and presence deserves, though they have been featured on Tom Robinson’s Mixtape, Minster Fm and BBC Radio Sheffield to date. Debut album Fools, Mules and Baggage… has been doing its impressive bit to stir up ears and appetites since its release in the autumn of last year also, but maybe it will be the second single taken from it which turns the key to a national awareness. Certainly Mind Over Matter will be luring and exciting a great many new appetites for the band such it’s mischievous and magnetically infectiousness and quirky charm.

The opening rhythmic coaxing of the song swiftly has ears and attention, not forgetting toes keenly interested; an intrigue only enhanced by the raw but magnetic stroke of guitar. Vocally too, song and band takes a strong hold whilst the chorus which predominately steals the show with its repetitive anthemic potency, grips even tighter with a power pop vivacity. Equally though there is a clever underlying contagion to the open surface and more involved invention of the song, each hook and melody seemingly familiar yet wrapped in a refreshing uniqueness that sets it and band apart from the crowd.

The Hokum stand at the edge of broader attention thanks to their album, nudging and teasing it with their tantalising sound. Mind Over Matter could be the push taking the band right into the gaze of the UK rock scene; if not it is easy to expect that recognition is coming soon.

Mind Over Matter is available from February 23^rd

Upcoming live dates for The Hokum:

3.03.15 Red House, Sheffield

02.05.15 Shakespeare, Sheffield

29.05.15 Plug, Sheffield,

https://www.facebook.com/hokum.the

RingMaster 21/02/2015