Drawing us in with a dimensional synthscape, expanding with textured drums and an overarching high octane energy, New State Masses open The Humming with an astral synth and brooding dark wave vocals with the escapist opening lyrics, “Yes I’m running again, I’ve used all my patience on you, so I guess I’m running, yes, I’m running again…”
The Humming serves as an evocative exploration of the human desire for renewal and the perennial struggle against emotional stagnation. At its core, the song encapsulates the essence of running away not just from a physical space, but from an emotional state that has become intolerable. The repeated declaration of “Yes I’m running again” signifies a cyclical pattern of escape, hinting at a profound discontent that the speaker cannot ignore. This flight is not from an external oppressor but from an internal sense of depletion, having “used all my patience on you.” The repetition underscores a weary resignation, acknowledging the need to flee yet again to preserve one’s sense of self.
The imagery of the “field of fire” forges a powerful metaphor for the intense and consuming nature of the speaker’s quest for renewal. Fire, often associated with both destruction and purification, symbolizes the dual nature of this pursuit. By “chasing the fire,” the band seeks to embrace a transformative experience, one that promises to burn away the old and make way for the new. This quest is intrinsically linked to a desire to “feel young,” to reclaim a sense of vitality and vigour that has been eroded by the weariness of their current state. The exhortation to “fill your lungs” is a call to breathe deeply and fully engage with life, suggesting a renewal not just of the spirit, but of the very breath of existence.
The humming appears to act as a metaphor for the omnipresent undercurrent of unrest that cannot be silenced by mere proximity or companionship. The act of running becomes a shared endeavor, yet it is driven by an individual need to escape this incessant hum. The repetition of “it don’t stop the humming” emphasizes the futility of superficial solutions to deep-seated emotional issues, compelling the speaker to keep running in search of true resolution.
The song’s bridge offers a poignant reflection on the process of finding new directions and breaking free from old constraints. To “take the horizon” and “lose the Meridian Line” speaks to a deliberate abandonment of established paths and conventions, seeking instead uncharted territories of experience and self-discovery. The resolve to “outrun this fight” and “no longer bleed” signifies a determined effort to move beyond the emotional battles inflicted by the relationship. This is a declaration of resilience, a commitment to maintaining mental fortitude and healing from past wounds.
Ultimately, The Humming is a philosophical meditation on the necessity of escape and the relentless pursuit of self-renewal. It captures the existential drive to move beyond suffocating emotional states and seek out experiences that reignite the spirit. The song’s blend of introspective lyrics and vivid metaphors invites us to reflect on our own journeys of escape and transformation, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the need to run towards a brighter, more fulfilling horizon.
We love what New State Masses are manifesting with their synth pop meets indie pop sound, but their intentional and cathartic depth is what sets them apart. We have added The Humming to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the band’s debut single, The People You Love.