SONG REVIEW: Ham Radio - "Creatures of Habit (Feat. Aaron Gillespie)"
“Did Ham Radio just write the next Fall Season banger?! I think so!”
by Jesse Smith
There is no way I am the only one that creates a whole mental movie scene when I listen to songs… am I? I can’t also be the only one that classifies songs by the seasons the vibe of the music makes me feel. Well if you’re like me, I’m pretty sure “Ham Radio” just wrote that Fall time banger. This alt-rock band from Tennessee just released their newest single “Creatures Of Habit” which also features the legend that is Aaron Gillespe. I mean seriously, can you think of a better co-sign?
Artwork for Ham Radio’s new single, “Creatures of Habit”
“Creatures of Habit” starts out pretty upbeat to be honest. Starting strong with a driving walking beat and even the guitars establishing the first hint of the main melody, all of that is pretty upbeat, but it doesn’t last (in a good way). The melody is shifted and taken over by vocals and a driving and steady kick drum. What I find the best about this particular part is the production direction and decisions they went with. Starting with the kick drum tone, it isn’t a full deep punch like we metalheads are used to. It’s quick and thumpy, almost like an electronic drum tone which is a very cool little switch up that most people won’t catch. The ambient textures and vocal effects used at this part also are so subtle but literally makes this part as cool as it is. Think about it like this, if it was barebones and all those little background things were removed, it would be way different and worse. Remember how I said the upbeat-ness didn’t last long? Well it doesn’t and it’s all in the vocals. As a drummer, one of the hardest things to do is to keep a steady “boring” beat for a long period, and to me, the vocal display from vocalist Jamon Lee is steady and brilliant. He never goes super high and belts his heart out, he stays in the slot which really creates this melancholy vibe. It’s a prime example of doing what the music calls for.
One thing is true for this song, it is easy to get lost in it and end up listening a few times in a row. Like a good Netflix series, “Creatures of Habit” is bingeable. I looked at the “for fans of” section before listening and it included bands like State Champs and Underoath and to be honest I really don’t agree (atleast with this song). To me, they give off a less whiny version of Movements with the slow but not boring, emotional but not overly emo. If you’re looking for something new and really dig a more midwest rock vibe, this song is my pick for you to try out. Each time you hear it, it just gets better and better and is perfect for the autumn afternoon drives.