‘SEXY, EVIL, PLAYFUL AND DISTINCT’. WELCOME TO HUMDRUM’S WORLD

By Resonate | March 3, 2026

HumDrum is one of Bristol’s most exciting new bands, and they know how to make you listen, utilising their extensive musical talent to experiment with neo-soul, jazz, indie, grunge, and punk, pushing their sound in multiple directions at once. They create something unmistakably personal and unique with every listen. 

Palo (Vocals), Ben (Bass), Hunter (Guitar), Frankie (Piano), and Simone (Drums) make up the five-piece ensemble, each bringing their own voice that shapes the band’s eclectic identity. 

Focused on the authenticity and quality of every piece of music they produce, HumDrum stands out in a talent-rich scene. 

They aren’t just another local act; they are a band here to stay and make a lot of noise as they do. 

So, who is HumDrum? Tell me a little bit about your band – what’s your vibe?

Hunter: I think from a musical standpoint, we’re kind of pushing to create some sort of authenticity through a scene we feel is quite oversaturated. And maybe highlight songwriting and ideas that aren’t overly locally influenced.

Palo: We make quite lyrically chaotic but also emotionally vulnerable songs that explore loads of abstract and poetic themes both musically and lyrically. We formed and met through jams, and we’ve been a band for just over a year, and we’ve done pretty well for ourselves. We have played about 30 gigs, and we’re just having loads of fun, to be honest. 

How would you define your sound to people who are coming across you for the first time?

Frankie: Sexy, evil, playful and distinct. Welcome to HumDrum world!

Was there a moment where something clicked, and you realised that you were going to be a band?

Ben: It was that first show at The Old England. Hunter and Palo initially worked together on writing the songs, and then I connected with Simone as well. We played that show, and off the back of that, we got booked for a few more, and then it snowballed from there, and it hasn’t really slowed down. But we didn’t really have time to stop and think about it. It continued to grow and become what it is now.Palo: Yeah. After seven gigs, once Frankie had joined, I saw the potential in all of our music and passion, and our creative visions aligned. I remember just saying, ‘Hunter and I want this to be real and grow, and if you’re down for that, stay. But if you’re not, don’t.’ That was a moment where everyone had a level of commitment. That was a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, we’re a real band!’ 

Your latest EP, Collision, what is it about/based on?

Palo: So that’s a single that I wrote the lyrics to a couple of years back. It was a stream-of-consciousness piece about insecurity and feeling subject to judgment, where your mind and yourself meet the self as expressed in the outer world. And that is a significant collision, because you don’t have control over either of those. It’s about my mental state, and I brought it to the band; they made it a billion times better. 

What is your songwriting/rehearsal process like? 

Ben: Usually, it’s when Paolo is trying to explain something, and we all keep accidentally playing little parts, over the top of one another, and eventually one thing will pop out. That’s generally our writing process in the room. 

Frankie: Sometimes it’s just a nice accidental thing about it. Someone will go to the toilet. Or we’ll be getting ready to go out for a cigarette, and then we’ll accidentally jam. It’s just lovely and organic in that way.

What is something you are experimenting with in the creation of your new EP?

Hunter: We don’t want to rush it, because the music we listen to is very textural and well thought out, and we don’t want it to just be like a live band recording. We want to do the songs justice, so we are experimenting with breaking them down and reimagining them. The overall sound of HumDrum will change significantly and be more experimental.

Who are HumDrum listening to right now? 

Palo: Dogfaced Hermans 

Hunter: LaRo,Cabana 

Frankie: Youth Lagoon

Ben: Do Nothing, Snake Sideways 

One song you wish you wrote? 

Palo: Small by Portishead, All Mine by Portishead

Hunter: Diamond Stuff by Black Middy

Ben: FootFoot, Army Wives

What is your unpopular music opinion? 

Palo: I’d say I don’t like Charlie XCX, sue me!

Ben: HumDrum doesn’t like Ed Sheeran. Nothing against him as a person, we just don’t like your music. Sorry Ed!

Frankie: My hot take is that it’s good to be in silence. Music can get boring, and sometimes when I’m at a gig, I don’t know what to think. 

As the conversation wrapped up, it was clear HumDrum is a band fuelled by instinct, curiosity and sheer musical creativity. Whether they are crafting chaotic verses or stumbling into ideas mid-jam, the five of them operate as a playful, talented machine, deeply committed to the music. 

Playing The Exchange Basement on the 27th of January 2026, HumDrum is a group that cannot be ignored. Buzzing with energy and undeniable future fame, we will be hearing from them for a long time to come. 

WORDS BY PHOEBE CULLEY