Hebronix - "Unreal" Review

Artist: Hebronix

Album: Unreal

Label: ATP Recordings

Release Date: July 9^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Hebronix is the latest project from Daniel Blumberg.  He recently departed from his critically acclaimed band Yuck (who are continuing without him) to pursue his solo endeavor. “Unreal” marks Blumberg’s fourth debut record under different names/bands. He was the singer/songwriter for Yuck, had a solo side project in 2011 under the moniker, Oupa and his first band was Cajun Dance Party several years before that. However, with Hebronix, Blumberg has the freedom to do whatever he wants and he surely does just that. With only six songs on the album, it spans over 45 minutes, while most songs averaging over seven minutes in length. For most of the duration something truly reflective and deeply heartfelt is present. With a sudden burst of guitars and keyboards come together for some of the songs, there’s simply something utterly intoxicating and refreshing about Blumberg’s style. The longer song structure and more complex arrangements is a big difference than Yuck’s debut album. With Hebronix, Blumberg is distancing himself from the 90s alternative sound and delving into something more unique, more his own.

No doubt about it, Blumberg has grown as both a songwriter and composer. He’s experimental with much a deeper soundscape that touches upon sounds that are very moving and melodic. Many of the songs here have a rise-and-fall type of sound. There’s a lot dynamic throughout the album that sadly only reaches six tracks. “Viral” one of the singles starts off very slow before it explodes in this swirling yet utterly soothing piece of music. The songs here put you in a dream state, which I’d recommend listening to this lying on your bed. It gets you thinking as it opens up your mind and soul. Often beautiful, if not repetitive, Hebronix almost connects with each and every song. The one I just didn’t care for was the title track, “Unreal.” It kind of reminded me of Yuck or at least one of their weaker tracks that is. Something about “Unreal” didn’t resonate with me. It merely had me zoning out rather than be entirely engaged by it. As for the rest of the songs, they’re all incredible. With the combination of guitars, pianos, snyths, flutes and string instruments, makes for some dreamy, warm, and sleepy music.

The closing track, “The Plan,” wanders on for a little too long. It feels like a song written to say goodbye to Yuck. The line, “I can’t just sit around and hold your little hand…I’ve got some things to do.” Indeed Blumberg definitely has things to do and his ideas simply don’t mesh with the direction Yuck was apparently heading. I must admit, I was disappointed to see him depart, but once I heard this album, I’m more than okay with it now. “Unreal” minus the title track is a tender, dream-induced record that will get inside your head. The multifaceted arrangements along with the sheer beauty encompassing these songs are more than I ever imagined. This may be Blumberg’s best debut record from any band he’s been involved with, but I hope he’s just getting started with Hebronix. I definitely like the direction he’s heading and perhaps his fourth debut album, he’s finally found his own way. One could only hope, this marks the last debut for Blumberg.

Key Tracks: “Unliving,” “Viral,” “Garden”
Grade: 8.5 out of 10

Published by Mountain Views News on July 27th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n30/p15.htm