The Lonely Hunter

Album review

Hemi Hemingway, the project of London based New Zealander Shaun Blackwell, graces us with a six track EP that can only be described as utterly refreshing. Instead of following the post-punk trend of London, or the surf rock scene of New Zealand, Blackwell embraces the somewhat neglected sound of 60’s doo-wop, and he does so with finesse and charm. Hemi Hemingway can be described as a slick, heartbroken crooner who sings the hell out of the blues. The opening track, Burnin’ Blue, puts the roll in rock and roll. Blackwell’s lilting voice picks you up and carries you over the walking bass, through various guitar riffs, until, in classic lounge-singer fashion, he breaks off into spoken word. Blackwell’s native New Zealand accent becomes very apparent in this section which is beautiful to hear as traditional intonation can so often be lost in music. This also provides us with a gentle nod to his indigenous heritage, as his pseudonym is adopted from the Māori name Hemi, which has the same meaning as his first name. 

The standout track of this collection is definitely Hemi’s Lament, which reminds the listener ever so slightly of a slowed-down version of R.E.M’s Losing My Religion. Blackwell’s deep vocals sit clearly below the twang of the guitar, before rolling smoothly into the final track My Lover, A Strange Her. This track features sounds that, to a native from Aotearoa or Australia, are very distinct. The subtle chirping of crickets, cicadas and night birds subtly round the EP out to a close without being cliche. 

This EP is dripping in references to literature, New Zealand and old-timey influences like the Shangri-La’s and the Ronettes, feminising the almost hyper-masculine idea of the traditional crooner. Although we are blessed with these six, cohesive songs, it will be exciting to see what Hemi Hemingway brings to us next. © Jessica Porter-Langson / Qobuz