Hister. Hister

Some more music from the city of Groningen. Only one week ago Avery Plains filled these pages and today the duo Hister. With a line up of bass (Merel Weijer) and drums (Michel Weber), the duo does not present your average band line up. Instead it shows, like several others in the past decade, that it's more than possible to play melodic songs with instruments that are associated with the rhythm section of a band.

Hister plays alternative rock with a punky attitude, especially when Michel Weber is singing. He has a sort of who cares kind of attitude in his voice that comes across very convincingly in 'Komt Goud'. The song in an alternative universe would be a big hit, taking the other four songs on the EP under its arms and making sure they score as well.

For all reading this review not from The Netherlands, Hister sings in a local dialect. Although I get most of it, we are almost in the same position. Don't let it bother you, as you'll be missing out on some great alternative rocking.

With the bass in the lead, the sound on Hister is dark. The bass is played through a couple of effect pedals, making the sound bigger and tougher. Perhaps also a harmoniser, allowing for high and low, making the sound more varied. And yes, an overdub here and there. A bass remains a bass, that is the basis. And like I already shared, by playing the bass in the way Merel Weijer does, it becomes a lead instrument with ease.

Promo photo: Reyer Boxem

Final song 'Onder Wotter' shows Hister has a pop side as well. Pop like they used to make around 1980 by bands like The Police and Fischer Z. When a great single was a great single and sometimes masking the quality of an album. Things have changed so much since. Every song has to have quality these days, as they are perceived as individual songs by many with thanks to the Spotifys of this world.

It all leads to five great songs on this EP. Hister does not relent here and wants to score. The music weaves a fine threat between alternative and pop, while the body is not forgotten as well. If played live, moving will come with ease is my guess.

As a final comment, another band, album, song name and title in sync can be added. Hister the name is.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Hister here:

https://officialhister.bandcamp.com/album/hister-ep?from=hp