"The Spoons" by HEK

Blimey: my head is spinning a bit with so much great new music coming out and so much great live too.

The latest is the new HEK single with the rather enigmatic title of "The Spoons".

I say enigmatic with plenty of justification given the allusiveness of the lyrics which may rank as Reiss' most impressionistic: certainly more poetic than prosaic.

A key may be the theme of their warning us against overthinking. Fantastic & surreal pictures seem to form in the singer's mind which he then tries hard to articulate as they tumble round.

Consequently you received a torrent of imagery which he manages to tame enough for us to hear the actual words. Interestingly thanks to vocal production we hear two differing voices which may relate to the complexity of the cognitive state in question. I can sympathise.

Given the Blakean lyrics, the apocalyptic instrumentation is bang on, enhancing the mind blowing effect. This is the very mighty HEK flexing their considerable powers and producing something with all the power of say "Gimme Shelter": its's up there with that.

I confess that due to the overall excellence and potency of the entire HEK catalogue, I've never really considered what (if anything) might act as the zenith of their sets, but having heard them play "The Spoons" live and now dived into it entirely on its own considerable merits, it really is their most epic track (it runs to nearer eight minutes than seven) and probably worth building to as they play.

Given the density of the lyrics, it's fascinating too how they have the strength of mind & will not to spread them out evenly: it's core to the song that they emerge in a frantic burst and the lengthy instrumental workouts in which their individual talents are all showcased actually complement & augment the meaning of the words: nothing is self indulgent nor overstays its welcome. A masterclass in how music & lyrics can work together to tell a story from slightly different angles.

HEK sprung into being at a very high level which caught and held my attention: however even better than am inherently excellent band is one which keeps finding opportunities to ratchet up a gear. This is perhaps their most complex release and I can't fault any decision to go for other songs as singles earlier: but by now they will have carried so many people with them that they can afford to challenge as well as delight. As a showcase for just how good they may yet become, it's ideal.