Advertise with The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover Issue #93
Recordings
MORE Recordings >>
Subscribe to The Big Takeover

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Shop our Big Takeover store for back issues, t-shirts & CDs


Follow us on Instagram

Follow The Big Takeover

Stephen Hummel - MELD (Self-Released)

16 May 2012

When we last talked to Stephen Hummel, he hinted that he had some ideas about new music, not under his moniker SubtractiveLAD. MELD is the realization of that idea, and it’s easy to understand why he stepped back from the SubtractiveLAD name. He’s still doing heavy atmospheres and epic songs, but instead of a Berlin School style like his previous album Kindred, or the Eno/Harold Budd ambiance of records before that, MELD is straight Pink Floyd territory. His voice bears a striking resemblance to David Gilmour, and that is not a bad thing. There’s a dance element here that takes its cues from the 1980s, but it’s no mere imitation; sure, it may remind of Peter Gabriel or About Face, but the overall result is something that’s original yet instantly recognizable, fresh without being imitation. From the swirling synths of “Birds,” the haunting echo and gentle blips of “Beautiful,” the bluesy beat of “Away,” or the new wave of “Somehow,” Hummel covers a range of sounds. Who knew that the Rothko style aural washes of sound that he made over the last few years would result in a pop album so radically different from everything he’s done previously, yet quite wonderful in its sea change? MELD is an impressive, stunning, out-of-nowhere release that satisfies whilst leaving the listener wanting more.