The UK-based group HOO has returned with their third album, III, a decade in the making and a remarkable dive into a uniquely crafted indie soundscape. Known as masterful crafters of woozy dynamics, HOO creates songs that unravel with an almost enigmatic logic, blending chaotic emotion with cinematic flair. With III, HOO embraces the unexpected, dipping into indie-pop territory with songs that, though brief—typically just over two or three minutes—are richly textured. Layered with grunge-heavy guitars and the quirky allure of Moog magic, tracks like "Ov Violence / Evil Weeks" venture into breathtaking progressive rock territory, while the gothic and epic final track, "Method Papers," closes the album with an intense, haunting resonance.
Contributing to this long-awaited work are friends and collaborators like Simon Rowe (Chapterhouse, Mojave 3), Ian McCutcheon (Mojave 3, Slowdive), Paul Blewett (Moon Attendant), and acclaimed folk artist Jackie Oates, adding a sense of camaraderie and continuity to the project. Nick Holton, HOO’s lead songwriter, describes the process as a deeply personal journey, with songs simmering in the studio like creatures from a 1970s sci-fi epic, waiting for the right moment to emerge. “Some tracks needed to evolve in the space they were created,” Holton reflects. Newer additions like "Snake" and "Myself When I Am Real" ultimately laid the foundation, bringing the entire project into sharp focus.
Holton’s approach is reflective and interconnected, as he’s crafted his music for years in his home studio, “Oaki Room,” a sanctuary for his collaborations with close friends. His music, with influences from his earlier projects with Coley Park and Neil Halstead (Slowdive), merges seamlessly with his broader life, making his bandmates integral parts of the creative journey. Jackie Oates’ poignant vocals on "England Theme" stand out as a highlight. “It’s a mirror of so much I write about—pride and disappointment, politics, religion, the human condition, and a decaying environment. It’s dark, but we want these songs to feel inviting, something to draw listeners into the swirling psychedelia of it all,” says Holton.
With III, HOO encapsulates years of patience, introspection, and artistry, creating a captivating album that resonates with a broad spectrum of emotions, leaving listeners ensnared in its sonically intricate, genre-defying world.
