There is some obvious attempt at shock value with Herm’s graphics and video. However, the young performer (Kevin Connolly) from Ireland also presents some creativity in his music, apart from the visual messages he sends out. This listener likes the sound of “Heads,” primarily because it sounds so innocent and “pop.” But the intended contrast between the sound and the lyrical message makes the song much stronger.

A couple of sentences given as marketing material for Herm must be read to understand this music completely. “Herm is the product of a short-lived relationship in the late 70’s between Her and Him. He wrote his first song at the age of eight, about alcohol addiction…Heads was the first single to be taken from his debut album ‘Monsters’, as Herm tried to sneak it’s imagery of cannibalism and animal lust onto mainstream radio…”

“The Way” is appropriately dark, in spite of being up-tempo. The band is composed of Connolly – vocals, guitar, piano; Hugh – guitar, vocals; Arunas – bass; Keith – guitar, keyboard, vocals; Aengus – drums. Not surprisingly, the newest offering is entitled Monsters. Images of people with animal heads are not extremely new as an overall theme. But this does work with the atmosphere created by Herm’s music. A quick listen to “Rearrange” will explain some of the fear, confusion and terror that live somewhere in Connolly’s head. His take on society’s effects on the individual hit the mark.

Herm on MySpace

Tags: indie music, indie, herm, independent music, music