In the mid-90s, few rock bands called Arkansas home, and even fewer were looking back to the straightforward radio pop of the 1970s and 80s for inspiration. Yet Ho-Hum, hailing from Bradley, Arkansas, did exactly that on their 1996 debut Local. Rather than embracing the angsty grunge sounds dominating the alternative scene, Ho-Hum tuned their guitars to the sounds of Big Star, The Plimsouls, The Knack, Dramarama, and early Tom Petty, crafting an album full of catchy, unpretentious tunes that stood in stark contrast to the era’s heavier rock trends.
Local might have arrived during a decade known for its angst-ridden music, but this album is a refreshing throwback to the power pop and jangle pop of the 70s and 80s. In fact, there isn’t a note of grunge or post-punk here. Instead, Ho-Hum's sound is closer to the likes of Velvet Crush, Sloan, Superdrag, and Matthew Sweet at their most straightforward, delivering earworm melodies with precision.
Opening with the uptempo gem “Around the World,” Local sets the tone with its upbeat, feel-good vibe. The band’s knack for infectious melodies shines through tracks like “Don’t Go Out With Your Friends Tonite,” a song that evokes the energy of early new wave power pop in the vein of The Romantics or The Knack. But Ho-Hum isn’t just about jangly guitars and upbeat tempos—tracks like “Disappear” and “Superhuman” show the band’s ability to slow things down with soulful ballads, enhanced by the unexpected addition of horn sections.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Local is how it bridges several decades of rock without sounding out of place in the 90s. The album’s production, helmed by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley—producers behind iconic records from Elvis Costello, Madness, and even Bush’s Sixteen Stone—lends a polished yet authentic sound that perfectly complements the band’s melodic sensibilities.
At a time when alternative rock was leaning heavily on distortion, angst, and moody lyrics, Ho-Hum’s debut stood out as a breath of fresh air, offering something that was simultaneously nostalgic and timeless. From the strummy, up-tempo hooks to the melodic interplay between the guitars, Local is an album that clearly knows where its roots lie. It might have flown under the radar at the time of its release, but today it serves as a hidden gem, ripe for rediscovery.
While Ho-Hum never achieved the mainstream success of their contemporaries, their blend of 70s and 80s radio pop, combined with 90s indie rock sensibilities, makes Local a record that resonates with listeners who appreciate tight songwriting and undeniable hooks. It’s not hard to imagine tracks like “Around the World” or “Don’t Go Out with Your Friends Tonite” being radio staples in a different era, where power pop and jangly guitars reigned supreme.
If you're a fan of Superdrag, Velvet Crush, or Matthew Sweet, and you’ve somehow missed Ho-Hum's Local, now’s the time to dig it out. It’s a feel-good record packed with pop gems that deserve another spin. Check out the episode for a deeper dive, and join the conversation on our Discord by becoming part of the Dig Me Out Union on Patreon!
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Ho-Hum - Local | 90s Rock Revisited