Lowland Hum: Lowland Hum

You have to give Lowland Hum credit on any number of levels. They’re a husband and wife duo, not always an easy proposition when business and domestic bliss cross paths and avoid that fine line. They quit their day jobs shortly after they were married in 2012, opting to pursue careers in music, not the most certain strategy when a newlywed couple is trying to establish their finances for the future. And they call their pairing Lowland Hum, a rather unassuming name by any measure for any mantra. Oh, there’s also the matter of the music, which, as the name suggests, is hardly the boldest sound needed when it comes to lighting a spark in this flash and dazzle world of ours.

Nevertheless, Lauren and Daniel Goans have made a good start, simply on the basis of a previous album and a follow-up EP, both of which gained the praise of the critics and spearheaded a fan following that will likely stick with them for at least the foreseeable future. That’s all the more impressive because, again, as the name implies, their’s isn’t a sound that leaps out at you and begs immediate attention. Not by a long shot in fact. You have to… well… really listen to get all the deeper meaning of what these songs attempt to convey. And given the short attention span and precious time that most folks have at their disposal these days, that’s asking a lot, a demand that might very well have doomed these two immediately from the start. 

Nevertheless, all’s proceeded well so far, with their first album, Native Air coming to completion within a year of when they tied the knot. Despite its harmonious tide, it offered disparate themes, that of forging a bond as spouses but also exploring their own potential and creativity as freethinking individuals as well. An intensive period of touring, followed by the recording of their EP, Four Sisters has transpired since.

Which brings us to their new album, self-titled and further evidence of their ability to wield seamless harmonies and a hushed low cast glow. While a handful of songs take flight – “Older, Wiser” and “Odell” in particular, nothing here really breaks the mold or shows any evidence of an uptick in their MO. There’s a rhythm section in tow to be sure, but mostly the melodies simply drift along in a general haze, a mournful air of solitude and sobriety that offers little respite. Lauren Goan’s vocals dominate the proceedings, her silken voice often mesmerizing at times, but more generally than not, also seemingly somewhat elusive as well. Soothing and seductive, these haunting melodies are bereft of hooks and handles, hardly the kind of thing that encourages any sort of sing-along. And while the sun-dappled allure of “Lautrec” in particular hints at their folk finesse, the precious nature of it all isn’t that much of a lure.

Nevertheless, they may be trying. “I want to have a good time with you,” they implore on the wavering “Olivia”. That may be the case, but at some point they’re going to have to prove that they’re also ready to have some fun on their own.