SINGLE REVIEW: Who knew spelling could be so much fun? Hummus Vacuum’s newest single teaches us a great new word!

Nothing says punk rock in the morning like the smell of a certain 18th-century “morale machine” as Hummus Vacuum calls it.

“G-U-I-L-L-O-T-I-N-E” is the latest single, and it hits about as hard as you might think with a name like that. Released on the very last day of February, the song comes to life after making its first appearance on January 20th (yeah, that day) over on TikTok and Instagram.

With previous singles like “Forklift” and “Roommates” (2022) being so lighthearted and lovably goofy, three-piece outfit have flipped the script on their usual comedic leaning. Not to say that other singles haven’t already toed the line. “Steal From Corporations”, and “Uncle’s Facebook” both felt pretty pointed in their message, but there’s something a bit more potent when it comes to singing about things that may or may not pertain to a certain French Revolution. The song encaptures the rage that many Americans - and people around the globe - have been feeling as of late. There is a noticeable and palpable tension that has been dividing us, and these guys have done a great job spelling it out loud and clear.

The best part of it all is the bouncy nature. Behind the poignant lyrics (including but not limited to “I’m trading in my karma for some real sharp gravity”, and “I always thought that if the pen was mightier than the sword, why do actions speak louder than words?”) there’s a robust ensemble with a heart-pounding 120 BPM to really get you going. It’s this classic feeling of pop-punk that brings life to a subject that feels like it really shouldn’t fit in the way that it does, but these guys manage to make it blend seamlessly.

It’s the perfect reminder of the age-old concept. Punk is about life choices and actions. It’s an ideology, not an aesthetic, or even a certain genre of music. It’s about the heart behind it, and the desire to stand up for the right thing, even in the face of adversity. 

Overall, on a synesthesia scale, “G-U-I-L-L-O-T-I-N-E” lies somewhere between a sky blue and a brilliant turquoise. Think Tiffany Blue but without the pesky capitalism, considering the very point of the song itself. It’s hard like metal, with a glossy shine that’s maybe a little roughed up by a piece of steel wool.

If you’d like to hear more from Hummus Vacuum, you’re in luck! The band is set to go on a Spring Breakdown - uh - tour, with various artists such as 5ever, Cinema Stare, and Dear Maryanne just to name a few. 

For anyone so inclined, you can find these gents on X and Instagram @hummusvacuum999, or over on Tiktok @hummusvacuum.