Album Review: "Same Mistake Twice" by The Howl And The Hum

The Howl And The Hum's second album, ‘Same Mistake Twice’ is a striking testament to the artistry and vulnerability of its frontman, Sam Griffiths. As the sole remaining original member, Griffiths guides the listener through a deeply personal landscape of raw emotion, introspection, and self-reflection. From its opening notes to the closing fade, the album weaves a tapestry of melancholy and hope, underscored by honest, evocative lyrics and a range of sonic textures that captivate from start to finish.

The album opens with its title track and lead single, ‘Same Mistake Twice,’ a bold and ambitious opening track, The song is an exploration of Griffiths' regrets and existential musings, underlined by lines like, "I spent all my youth playing video games, That convinced me when we die, we go 'round again." The lyricism here is profound, with Griffiths confronting a pool of past mistakes and the inevitability of human error. This is contrasted perfectly, with the soaring notes of a saxophone, beautifully played by Matthew Herd. The contrast between Griffiths' solemn reflections and the saxophone's uplifting sound creates a bittersweet mood that encapsulates the album's essence: life’s tragedies underscored by moments of surprising beauty.

“Dirt” follows with a hauntingly relatable narrative, delving into the mundanity and sorrow of post-breakup life. Griffiths navigates the complexity of shared histories and lingering connections with simple yet profound lyrics like, "But I know all your passwords and you know mine as well, We've seen each other's bodies at their worst and their best." This song is a study in lyrical duality—its stark simplicity is balanced by moments of introspective brilliance, such as “I wonder who writes our histories now, How do we decide what the future was.” The juxtaposition of these lines lays bare the confusion and nostalgia that permeates life after love, offering a raw honesty that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

“All Your Friends Hate Me” dives deeper into the inner workings of Griffiths' mind, capturing the anxiety and self-doubt that can arise from failed relationships. The song is a direct window into his thoughts, as he candidly reveals spiraling feelings of self-loathing and insecurity. It’s a brave and unapologetic examination of how we as humans think, where every lyric cuts like a knife, echoing the universal fear of being judged and rejected.

With “No Calories In Cocaine,” The Howl And The Hum take a darker, more ironic turn. This track is a masterclass in clever songwriting, mixing humor with heartbreaking honesty, whilst diving into Griffiths' past struggles with substance abuse. The song’s title alone signals its intent to challenge and provoke, while the lyrics offer a glimpse into the complexities of addiction. Griffiths' delivery, infused with both wit and weariness, makes this a standout moment on the album—a darkly comedic yet brutally honest account of coping mechanisms gone awry.

“I Loved A Boy” is a brief but poignant offering, awash in synths and sincerity. The song’s brevity belies its emotional weight, with Griffiths declaring, “And I loved a boy, As a boy became a man, To love you so long, It's like holding on to water in my hands.” It’s a striking metaphor, capturing the fleeting, elusive nature of love and the inevitability of change. The track's honesty and vulnerability shine through in every note, providing a moment of reflection and intimacy that is both tender and raw.

“Back In Time” continues the album's exploration of memory and loss, with Griffiths' storytelling prowess on full display, with The lyrics evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing. It is a journey that beckons listeners to contemplate their own pasts, the people they’ve known, and the lives they’ve lived.

The album closes with “Everything Is Not On Fire,” a minimalistic yet impactful song that serves as the perfect conclusion to the album. The simplicity of the arrangement allows Griffiths' words to take center stage, driving home the album's themes with a quiet, powerful grace. It feels like a deep exhale—a final, calming note that lingers long after the music fades.

In ‘Same Mistake Twice’, The Howl And The Hum have crafted an album of remarkable depth and sincerity. Griffiths' lyrics are profoundly personal and insightful, creating a collection of songs that resonate with honesty and integrity. This is an album that dares to be vulnerable, that isn’t afraid to confront the messiness of human experience. It's a triumphant and moving work, one that leaves a lasting impression and cements The Howl And The Hum as being one of the most intriguing and distinctive bands in the current UK music scene.