Emo-Folk Duo hey, nothing Pulls You Into the Undercurrent of "33°"
Photo: Cole Silberman
Atlanta-based emo-folk duo hey, nothing, comprised of Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips, continues their hot streak of absolutely spellbinding singles with the release of their latest single, "33°." The sparse and slow-building number has attracted an ever-expanding following with richly literary emo-folk that showcases their indelible vocal interplay and their forthright, wound-excavating depictions of addiction, toxicity, trauma, and familial struggles.
"'33°' is the tragic tale of a young boy who, emotionally plagued by modern society, embarks on a reckless journey to the center of a rapidly melting lake," explains hey, nothing. "His behavior, driven by his parent’s recent divorce and their lack of ability to properly communicate, leads to the demise of him and his older brother, Tommy. The story is a dive into the turbulent minds of young people as they face contemporary traumas from the perspectives of parents, siblings, and themselves and how each of those perspectives interact with each other."
"33°" is a treasure trove of writerly detail, packed with all the infuriating, intangibly tangible, itchy-sticky feelings that come in the wake of tragedy. The band's growing mastery of sound design is a marvel to behold, as they weave layers of echoing horns, a howling chorus, distant shouts, worn-in acoustic guitar strums, and gut-wrenching harmonies into a sonic tapestry that transports listeners to that lake.
The new release is a testament to hey, nothing's growing success, following earlier hits like the hypnotic "Barn Nursery" and stellar "Sick Dogs." Their inclusion in the lineups for 2025's Kilby Block Party and Bonnaroo is a proud moment for the band and their fans, and the promise of more 2025 tour dates is sure to keep the anticipation high.
Listen to "33°" below:
