Scream Hello "Smart & Stupid"

Smart & Stupid is a four-song precursor to Scream Hello's (no more exclamation point!) forthcoming full length and, to be boringly blunt, it's got me jonesin' for more. While I enjoyed this band's debut, Infinite Son, it never struck me like Smart & Stupid consistently does; the band has simply made a lot of progress in the past year or two, penning more textured, smooth-flowing songs and bigger hooks with the natural ease and finesse of a knife cutting through soft butter.

Scream Hello plays an amalgamation of classic Midwest emo, bright, Piebald-like rock and gentle indie rock, and leaves any pretense at the door. Considering the level of detail and smart songwriting, it's surprising that Smart & Stupid never comes across as highbrow or overly intellectual. It's traditional, modest and, dare I say, timeless; as comforting and flavorful as home cooking. (I’m really into food similes today.) “A Few Minutes” is, for me, the standout song, thanks to its infectious guitar leads, unforgettable sing-along chorus, and even gradually slowing outro, but "Breakin' Shit" follows with similar qualities. "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" consists mostly of a piano and reverb-y singing and, even though the guitars and drums eventually join in for an energetic third minute, the song feels awkward. The band gets things back on track in the grand, six-minute closing song, “Vinegar & Baking Soda,” which all but cuts out at the half point before building back into a strong, driving closure with burly backing vocals.

There’s plenty of cleverness and complexity behind Smart & Stupid’s four songs but, at heart, Scream Hello hits listeners with likeable, accessible tunes.

Scream Hello - A Few Minutes

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