this is not my favorite hibtb song, and i’m not even sure if it’s a good song. but holy fuck i love this. i could do without the last 35 seconds, and i’m lukewarm about the first minute-plus, but that middle! oh, you liked the whole thing? you thought it was structurally refreshing? that the hook was clearly making reference to the minstrel tradition of reformation england? oh, do you? you think you’re so much better than me!

the a capella chanting is just amazing, and is just so committed. and uncaring. the juxtaposition of the raw, mostly solo vocals with jon burr’s gentle “hey / come back / to me / oh” is so, so evocative. i don’t know if this band is still a thing or putting on shows anymore (their instagram has been dormant for 133w, as of this morning), but god what a loss if not.