Low Hum by Joplin Rice: A Lo-Fi Rock Gem That Sticks With You
If you’re into raw, unpolished sounds with a side of emotional grit, Low Hum by Joplin Rice might just be your next favorite album. Released back in 2015 on Practice Records, this US-based artist blends rock and alternative vibes with acoustic and lo-fi styles to create something that feels both intimate and untamed. It’s like listening to someone’s diary—but in the best way possible.
The tracklist has its fair share of repetition (seriously, some songs are listed twice), but don’t let that throw you off. What stands out here is how each song carries its own weight without trying too hard. Two tracks, in particular, stuck with me after giving this album a spin or three.
First up, “Parking Lot Waltz.” Man, this one hits different. It’s got this slow-burn energy, like those moments when you're sitting in your car late at night, staring at nothing but feeling everything. The acoustic strumming pairs perfectly with Joplin’s vocals—they’re not perfect, but they don’t need to be. There’s something real about the cracks in their voice, like every word means something heavy. I dunno, maybe it’s the title, but I kept picturing myself swaying under flickering streetlights while life buzzes around me. It’s hauntingly beautiful, kinda like nostalgia for something you haven’t even lived yet.
Then there’s “Fangs,” which felt like a punch to the gut—in a good way. This one leans more into the alternative side of things, with fuzzy guitars and an almost hypnotic rhythm. Lyrically, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. I found myself humming bits of it hours later, even though I couldn’t recall all the words. Sometimes music does that—gets under your skin without asking permission. And honestly? I liked it.
What surprised me most about Low Hum was how it didn’t try to impress anyone. No flashy production tricks or overdone arrangements. Just honest, stripped-down tunes that sound like they were made in someone’s garage—and maybe they were. That DIY charm is what makes it relatable. It’s messy, sure, but so is life, right?
One last thought: Listening to this album felt like finding an old mixtape in the bottom of a drawer. You’re not sure who made it or why, but once you press play, you can’t help but wonder about the person behind it. Maybe that’s Joplin Rice’s secret—they’ve created something deeply personal yet oddly universal.
So if you’re looking for something low-key cool to vibe to, give Low Hum a shot. Who knows? You might end up feeling less alone in your own head. Or hey, maybe you'll decide it’s not really your thing. Either way, isn’t that what discovering new music is all about?
