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Hovvdy: Minimal Riffs, Maximal Depth
25 Aug
Summary
- Austin duo Hovvdy creates deceptively complex music from simple, interlocking riffs.
- Their debut album, Taster, emphasizes repetition, space, and a slow pace.
- Lyrically, the album explores disillusionment and unresolved conflicts in relationships.
The Austin-based duo Hovvdy, comprising Will Taylor and Charlie Martin, has carved a niche with their minimalist rock music. Their creative process, often utilizing iPhone voice memos, centers on repetition and sonic simplicity, stemming from their backgrounds as drummers rather than guitarists.
Their debut album, Taster, reissued by Double Double Whammy, exemplifies this approach. Despite its slow pace, the album features deceptively complex arrangements where simple riffs are stacked in unique ways. This results in compelling tracks that are more than the sum of their parts, drawing comparisons to bands like Bedhead and Duster.
Lyrically, Taster delves into the confusion and regret inherent in interpersonal relationships, presenting unresolved conflicts without offering easy answers. The music's 'pillow core' moniker reflects its downy sonics and fragmented, introspective lyricism, reminiscent of late-night thoughts and internal struggles.
