Hang the Old Year is a band that refuses to be tied down to any particular category set of genre expectations, yet they tug on a lot of strings that are familiar and close to peoples’ hearts. Although elements of their approach reflect the heavy/experimental sounds associated with record labels like Dischord, Constellation, Neurot, Hydra Head, and Robotic Empire, the weaving of these elements together signals something entirely different. This batch of songs finds them departing from their Post-Rock roots, into a more concise and driving force. Here dueling angular guitars chime, dance, and converge around tight and thunderous drum and bass grooves while layered vocal arrangements swing from intimate confessional to belted punk anthems. It calls to mind the moody intensity and experimental bent of classic post-hardcore bands such as Unwound, Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, and At The Drive-In. The visceral and epic album artwork (created by guitarist/vocalist Joshum) is a sprawling nightmare landscape of industrial desolation and sci-fi tinged dread, reflecting the themes of technological anxiety and ecological devastation running through the introspective and emotionally charged lyrics of the album. HTOY has played with many notable acts such as Kayo Dot, The Body, and Kowloon Walled City, and has toured the western US and Canada rigorously over the last several years. Members of Hang the Old Year also play in several other reputable Portland bands including Burials, Strangeweather, and Aradia. “The Incessant Hum,” is the band’s most ambitious work to date, as well as being their first release on the vinyl format. The album was recorded and mixed 100% analog by Stan Wright, giving it a warm, rich, and organic sound that captures what it’s like to be in a room with Hang the Old Year.