Hokum – Pi

Hokum, from München, has just self-released a full length titled, Pi. Yes, like the film, and yes, the number 3.14159… The cover of the CD even has an impression of the Pi symbol, , in blue-on-blue relief filled with the number itself taken to who knows how many decimal places. I did not feel the need to count all the way. The problem, however, is that the CD is not infinitely artistic as represented by that crazy number. The CD opens with rough-shod metal riffs that are certainly distorted but not “heavy.” That is limitation number one for an opening trick. I will forgive certain elements in music-art if the beginnings and the ends are strong. ‘Tis not the case with Pi. Hokum growls away in the opening track, but “Collapsing Synapses” sounds too much like heavy radio rock as heard on a college radio station. There are some quality stops and the use of the lead guitar is effective throughout that first track, elements that save it, but overall the CD does not open well.

I mark that “check” in the negative box.

On their website, the band describes itself as “definitely live compatible.” This is not a phrase I recognize right off, but I assume the meaning is that the band does super live shows. And that I think I can imagine. Pi should be purchased, not as an amazing album, but as a way to get used to their definite rhythm changes, their slow near-emo Opeth moments, and the actual old-school use of a lead guitar player for seeing this band live. I just have a feeling that in an open space, with the volume turned all the way, up, Hokum would be right with it. I think their some-times slapped bass lines and hardcore drums would make a great thrash pot of action in a general admission venue with a quality mosh-pit full of listeners in the zone.

I mark that “check” in the positive box.

The CD does not suddenly change, it stays consistent, does not get real heavy, embraces its hard-rock roots, and yet does not weaken. Obviously, Pi by Hokum is not my first choice of music right now, but is not my last either.

I mark that “check” in the MAYBE box.