Studying Absence is a collaboration between Hemlock Ernst — a side-project of Future Islands member Samuel T. Herring — and longtime Beans collaborator Icky Reels. It arrives via Beans’ Tygr Rawwk Rcords and was carefully orchestrated by the label’s CEO. Herring initially caught the attention of Beans after his rhymes appeared on the 2022 R.A.P. Ferreira single “mythsysizer instinct.” The new album is out on October 16th.
Herring had been a longtime fan of Beans and his group, Anti-Pop Consortium. After initially connecting, Beans eventually coordinated a Herring vocal appearance on the Venga track “Anti-Star System.” Beans later encouraged Herring to make a record with Icky Reels in an effort to push artistic boundaries.
Thanks to Beans, we now have the electronic mystical journey that is the “Raised in the South.” The lead single from Studying Absence is filled with Ernst’s whimsical approach to songwriting as the artist navigates this new sonic terrain gracefully. Although, this is far from a melodic performance. The jagged flows employed by Ernst beautifully accent the equally sporadic drum patterns laid down by Reels. The newly formed duo found their chemistry instantly by combining their lofty visions into one rather than leaning on their individually already established sounds. The sturdy yet abstract instrumental allows Ernst’s flows to be equally off-kilter, creating a sonic dynamic that is miraculously catchy despite the song’s artsy tendencies. With a full-length LP on the way and a fantastic single circulating, Hemlock Ernst and Icky Reels set their sights on Studying Absence as “Raised in the South” introduces us to the newly established duo hellbent on creating something refreshing.
