FEATURE:
Yorkshire Resolve
ALL IMAGES/PHOTOS: Getty Images
How Hookworms Rebuilt and Conquered Following Disaster
_________
RATHER than pen a rederivation of the…
excellent piece The Guardian ran a few days back - I wanted to expand on some of the points made by its author, Dave Simpson. The article, as you can see, charts the way the Halifax/Leeds group have managed to survive and flourish after most of their back catalogue was lost in a flood. Boxing Day 2015 saw heavy rain and flooding affect areas around the river Aire. Matthew ‘MJ’ Johnson was at his parents’ home when the news came through: Hookworms’ studio was under five feet of water and the electricity was cut. The frontman drove through the floods to get to the studio. Arriving there; the Kirkstall-based studio was in a state of carnage and destruction: a harrowing and upsetting sight for Johnson. The studio did not have insurance and, on a notorious floodplain; the inevitable result of heavy downpours had taken more than money and bricks – the band’s livelihood and foundations were gone. The band managed to fund the rebuild of the studio through crowd-funding and the generosity of other bands. There is debt in the camp – financial and gratitude – but that has not stopped them plugging on and writing incredible music. One of the interesting points that stood out regarding The Guardian’s piece was the headline: suggesting Hookworms are the most-cursed band around.
I cannot abide by that assumption: curses do not exist and, the fact the band have faced a lot of hurdles is a result of bad luck. Microshift is the integration and assimilation of all their struggle, tensions and hard times. Not only has the album been receiving extraordinary reviews – it is likely to be among the runners when it comes to the end-of-year polls – but I feel it could be worthy of a Mercury Music nod. It is a record that looks at anxieties and stress; honesty and the need for openness. Johnson, himself, has suffered from depression for years and addresses the subject (depression itself) through the record. Body image and views of masculinity are spotlighted: there are joyous tones and redemptive words of wisdom among more introspective and damaged tones. Hookworms have progressed since their first two albums and after a rushed – their words/thoughts – The Hum (2014); there was a rethink and rebrand in camp. The band did not expect their debut, Pearl Mystic, to get such warm acclaim – as they told The Guardian – but that instant success, I feel, drove them to keep going and pushing their limits. Not only has Johnson – and other band members, one feels – been able to cope with depression and channel it into something creative and inspiring; the band have managed to funnel that into some sensational music.
IN THIS IMAGE: The cover for Hookworms' album, Pearl Mystic
Looking back and one might forgive the band for feeling they have a constant glare of misfortune trained their way. From 2009, when they first arrived; they were getting great support slots and some fantastic local jams. From threatening, scorned former booking agents and malfunctioning cars; all manner of breakages and money-draining missteps – the guys had an uphill battle from those earliest days. It is the way they transform that struggle and upset into great music. Their 2013-debut, Pearl Mystic, received some rave reviews (Drowned in Sound gave it a ten-out-of-ten!) and they were quickly being singled as one of Yorkshire’s finest Indie bands. It seems, right now, Rock and Indie sounds in the county are captivating critics. The Sherlocks, Reverend and the Makers and The Orielles are among those providing sumptuous, original Rock (and Pop). The great male and female bands coming from Yorkshire show there is more to music than what is happening in London – the likes of Hookworms are casting eyes further north. The sounds coming from their camp is among the most striking and impactful in modern British music. Lesser groups would have seen all that misfortune and grief – flooded studios and duplicitous promoters – and packed it all in. I have seen artists crippled and broken by lesser events – the fact Hookworms continue to purge and persist is a demonstration of their determination and resolve.
The music could be strained and suffocated: it is free, bold and incredibly meaningful. There are darker moments and hard-hitting subjects explored: never does one feel cornered and alienated. The band handle all their own business and have day jobs they enjoy. Because of that; there is a sense of independence and financial freedom. Obstacles and weather-related disasters have placed the band in precarious positions. Through graft, generosity and crowdfunding; Hookworms have been afforded the opportunity to keep playing and performing. Their spirit and unwillingness to quit is something other bands should be envious of. That is another reason I wanted to highlight Hookworks: a case study of an ill-fated group who have managed to produce incredible music against in spite of everything. Many might look at Hookworms and feel it deeply unfair they have had such a torrid time – they have been especially unlikely but one hopes that is the end of their bad days. Microshift is an album that is, quite rightfully, making critics sweat and drool. It is only March but we have already seen potential year-owning records from Field Music (Open Here), Tune-Yards (I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life): Hookworms are the third act, I feel, have crafted something that special. The Yorkshire band are proof something wonderful and inspiring can come out of misfortune and unfair circumstances.
They are an independent band who take care of their recording, finances and careers: they do not need to fight with labels and have to meet any deadlines. The band are not cursed, of course – it is a fictional concept – but they have certainly incurred some rocky times. I know there are other artists who have battled hardships but that should be a guide for them – look at how Hookworms have coped and managed to cope out the other side. They are impressively steely, pragmatic and disciplined considering their past. They are looking to the future and, when one considers a fourth album (in the next year or so?); I wonder what that record will reflect. Let’s hope its creation and stories are not inspired by accidents and financial strains – I feel it will be a lot happier and relaxed. They have won the heart of the critics – they are modest and often query why such heady reviews come their way – but it is all deserved. Hookworms showcase the brilliance and depth of talent in Yorkshire; they are proving to be one of the most consistent and innovative acts around. Above everything; they have ridden storms (or floods) and fences that would floor other artists. I have a feeling this year will be a very inspiring, successful and settled year…
FOR the intrepid band.