Released: 2023
For many, Samuel T. Herring is “that guy” who whilst fronting Baltimorean synth poppers Future Islands made sort of history on Letterman in 2013 by shredding his way through the climax of Seasons (Waiting On You). His Mad Uncle turn elevated the group for a time from modest to major in terms of success, but inevitably in a short attention span world that notoriety has long since faded.
Far fewer will be aware that Herring maintains an alter ego as rapper Hemlock Ernst, a side hussle which over the years he’s won a lot of respect for in the right places. His 2019 collaborative mixtape Back To The House was produced by Kenny Segal – and the favour was returned four years later when Herring appeared on billy woods dazzling second album Maps.
A concept album based on the alientation and dehumanising effects of touring, Maps was further proof that hip-hop’s real stories are being told at the margins. Herring’s verse on Facetime slips by, otherwise the spacy drones and twinkling chimes backdrop lines of things dreamed and seen, or both, as told to a screen glow which is the only connection to the other, true life. That guy it turns out can also be this guy.
The Voice Of Unreason 