It is a rare delight when a band that you have high expectations for manage to go above and beyond with a new release, and Belwood favourites The Howl & The Hum have really outdone themselves on their latest single. ‘Hall of Fame’ just launches itself at you right from the blocks with its machine gun percussion and robust post punk riffs, before softening into a vibrant whirl of nostalgic synth tones and bright melodies. It gets your blood pumping with the initial change before immersing you a kaleidoscopic torrent of positive energy. Songwriting has always been the band’s greatest strength, and while it boasts brilliant festival-ready hooks, the lyricism in the verses is ‘Hall of Fame’s greatest triumph. It’s so hard to play favourites; you could sit and argue with yourself all afternoon over what line bowls you over the most. It’s the first major contender for song of the year, and it’s gonna take some beating!