The Mae Shi Are Dead: Welcome the Rebirth of HLLLYH

Explore the dynamic rebirth of HLLLYH, the new chapter from The Mae Shi, blending mysticism with energetic art punk sounds.

From The Mae Shi to HLLLYH: The Next Chapter

The legendary art punk group The Mae Shi, known for their rambunctious and boundary-pushing sound, haven't dropped an album since 2007’s HLLLYH — an album praised as their most linear and acclaimed work. After that, the band went on an extended break, focusing on other projects, only reuniting sporadically for a handful of one-off live shows. Fans have often wondered if they'd ever release new music again.

But in 2022, founding member Tim Byron had a bold idea: to create one last record. This project was inspired by 20th century mysticism and aimed to tell a hero’s journey through a cyclical set of songs. Instead of releasing the album URUBURU under The Mae Shi name, the band reinvented themselves as HLLLYH, signaling not just a fresh start but a new era. What once seemed like a conclusion has transformed into the exciting beginning of more music to come.

"We’re not special, we’re just what’s left," sings the chorus on the lead single "Dead Clade," which perfectly echoes the spirit of HLLLYH’s mission.

— Tim Byron

A Band Reborn: Members and Musical Style

The newly minted HLLLYH brings together original members Jeff Byron, Ezra Buchla, Brad Breeck, and Corey Fogel, while welcoming fresh faces Dan Chao, James Baker, and Burt Hashiguchi. For longtime fans, the sound remains recognizable: sharp call-and-response vocals, lyrics delving into weighty themes like mortality and faith, shimmering synth melodies, and what the band affectionately calls “spastic drumming.”

The Sound and Story of URUBURU

While URUBURU carries some of the high-energy chaos fans expect, it also explores more subdued moments, creating a fascinating balance throughout its 15 tracks. The band describes the album as “an end-of-the-world story written on a mobius strip.” This poetic concept invites listeners to spend hours decoding its esoteric lyrics, or simply enjoy the infectious hooks, like the sing-along chorus "way oh, way oh way oh, way oh" in the track “Evolver.”

Some songs revisit old ideas simmering since the early 2000s. Take “Flex It, Tagger,” for example, a fierce critique of the surveillance state and police brutality—an anthem about the power of collective action, which has been evolving since 2009.

Yet not everything sounds like classic The Mae Shi. The track “S.O.S.O.S.O.S.” drifts like a haunting post-apocalyptic reverie, while the closing song “I’m Glad You’re Alive” could easily fit into a Fountains of Wayne album, showcasing the band’s range.

Why HLLLYH Matters Today

It’s been 18 years since their last The Mae Shi record, and the return of this creative force as HLLLYH is an exhilarating moment. Though there might be no instant hits quite like “Run to Your Grave,” URUBURU offers a rich and dense collection of songs bursting with boundless energy.

In a cultural moment where despair often feels overwhelming, HLLLYH reminds us how vital vibrant, challenging, and off-kilter rock music can be. Their music pulses with urgency and life, a call to keep fighting and creating in uncertain times.

Tune In and Feel the Energy

Whether you’re a diehard The Mae Shi fan or new to the sound, HLLLYH’s URUBURU is a must-listen. The band has transformed what seemed like an endpoint into a fresh beginning, proving that even after long silence, music can rise again with renewed purpose.

FAQs About HLLLYH and URUBURU

• How is HLLLYH connected to The Mae Shi?
  HLLLYH consists of original Mae Shi members plus new collaborators and marks a rebirth from the band’s previous incarnation.
• What themes does the new album URUBURU explore?
  The album weaves mysticism, mortality, faith, and societal critique into a cyclical narrative about the end of the world.
• Is URUBURU similar to earlier Mae Shi albums?
  It shares some energetic art punk roots but also ventures into more subdued and varied styles, reflecting evolution.
• Who are the new members in HLLLYH?
  Dan Chao, James Baker, and Burt Hashiguchi join original members Jeff Byron, Ezra Buchla, Brad Breeck, and Corey Fogel.
• Where can I listen to URUBURU?
  The album is available on all major streaming platforms and physical formats to enjoy the full experience.

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