Manhunter. Hooveriii

With an album called Manhunter and a first song called 'Melody' how can I not think of what might be my favourite The Rolling Stones song 'Melody'. "My nose is on a trail, I'm gonna catch you by surprise", sings Jagger as a true manhunter. Hooveriii's version has nothing to do with the Stones song, in any way, except that it is also a song. This 'Melody' is an alternative rock song that sets the mood for the new record of the Los Angeles band around songwriter and singer/guitarist Bert Hoover.

Over four years ago Hooveriii made its debut on this blog with its album 'Water For The Frogs'. In 2025 there is not a lot left of the psychedelic influences in the music of the band. In 2022 there were already references to Deep Purple and Uriah Heep heard on 'A Round Of Applause'. On Manhunter it is alternative rock all around.

Hooveriii really goes for that rock sound with a drums and bass that lay a super tight foundation that does not allow for a lot of divergence from the upper tempo rock sound. The rest of the band follows with delight is my impression. Guitars can explode at any time like in 'Heaven At The Gates'. They come in from all sides and angles. The band found enough melodies to sustain a more average band for ten songs/a whole album. Hooveriii squeezes it all into the outro of one song. At another point, at the end of 'Tarantula Eye', the whole song explodes with drummer Jon Modaff doing an "Animal" of giant proportions. The band follows him as if there is no tomorrow.

Another example is 'The Fly'. There's this sequence where the drummer is doing things that I have a hard time to keep up with even. Does he skip or add beats to the whole, while the band keeps track of the song? What time signature is it, 6/4? I have no clue but it sounds so cool.

I'll admit to Hooverii surprising me with Manhunter. This album sounds so alive. Sure, I liked the previous albums, otherwise I would not have written about them, but this is a musical next level. The songs are varied, adventurous and while the band may tap into decades of musical history, it has come up with its own work. From a soft keyboard instrumental, 'Cul-De-Sac' straight into a loud, fierce rock song, 'Isolationist'. It keeps a listener on his toes.

With Manhunter Hooveriii has set a new standard for itself. The band has grown and found more of its own voice. As you you've noticed, I had no inclination at all to compare the music on Manhunter to this or that. Hooveriii is Hooveriii, a band with a few faces and all of the spell Hooveriii.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

You can listen to and order Manhunter here:

https://hooveriii.bandcamp.com/album/manhunter