by Peter Stepek
Humroot is notably more staid than previous albums by Shelleyan Orphan. The conventional use of drums, bass and electric guitars suggest an attempt to compose more mainstream (pop) songs, although the studied orchestral arrangements of their prior efforts remain, as do their breathy (and lyrically oblique) harmonies. "Burst" shows the influence of the Cure, with whom the band toured (two Cure members play on the album) and is an upbeat delight, but on the whole Humroot is grim and overbearing. This is the least satisfying (and presumably final) release by the band.