The Howl & The Hum have just released a new and cinematic video for single ‘Thumbs Up’, it is a nearly five minute long short film that backgrounds the alternative folk trio’s latest introspective piece of folk pop. Driven by the strong and broody vocals of singer Sam Griffiths, ‘Thumbs Up’ might suggest a happy-go-lucky song, but turns out to be an introspective, bittersweet story about the struggles of a young man, filmed in an ex-coal mining commuter settlement South Wales.
‘Thumbs Up’ explores themes of brotherhood, fatherhood and masculine connection and translates this in the form of subtle lyricism and a slow paced, minimalistic soundscape. About the video, Sam says: “I approached Matthew with the song saying we could approach the video with a lens on mental health, masculinity and silence, and he almost immediately answered with this idea encompassing the Rhondda Valleys, where serendipitously both of our families are from, so there’s a bunch of odd connections there.”
The Howl & The Hum are one of not many bands that add a layer of meaning to their songs when creating videos, or rather short films, to accompany their music. ‘Thumbs Up’ is another exquisite example of that talent of theirs. The Howl & The Hum can take breaks off releasing music all they want, but they will never lose their spot at the top of our favourites-list. A band so refined and honest, that stays close to themselves and their music through it all, deserves nothing less.
The Howl & The Hum will be playing a string of intimate live dates as part of their January Revive Live Tour, see dates below:
19 Jan – STOCKTON-ON-TEES, KU
20 Jan – PRESTON, Ferret
21 Jan – LEICESTER, Soundhouse
22 Jan – NORWICH, Arts Centre
25 Jan – TUNBRIDGE WELL, Forum
26 Jan – EXETER, Cavern
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