Brooklyn-based post-rock duo halfway up a jagged hill released their self-titled debut album, HUAJH, on Sept. 10. The album was recorded at Vinegar Hill Sound, a Brooklyn recording studio founded by Reed Black in 2024.
The band halfway up a jagged hill consists of friends Devin Gilbert (vocals, guitar, bass) and Jeb Polstein (drums). The two have been playing music together since their middle school jazz band. In HUAJH, they weave together intense instrumentation, powerful storytelling, and a wide spectrum of emotion.
The album’s first single, “Obscure Sorrows,” was released on Jun. 24. The song incorporates gritty electric guitar and drums, with Gilbert’s vocals beginning softly and eventually escalating into yells. This song sets the scene for the album, introducing themes of cynicism and hopelessness.
After two fast-paced opening tracks, “Bleakwood” serves as a change of scene. The song begins with a slow, gentle guitar riff in contrast to the intensity of “Obscure Sorrows” and “Liar.” The longest song on the album, “Bleakwood” offers listeners a reflective pause packed with instrumental storytelling. The song’s final three minutes include no lyrics at all, but use guitar, bass, and drums to create a dynamic story arc.
Over the course of the album, the band illustrates a journey from despair to hope, bringing a raw, honest perspective to heavy themes like depression and self-harm. The album’s penultimate song, “Heaven,” represents the work’s more hopeful side. Lyrics like “It’s so dark outside I can’t see anything / But that’s ok cause I hear you sing” suggest the vital role of loved ones in helping to carry us through dark times.
The band celebrated their album release with a Sept. 12 show at Vinegar Hill Sound, including support act fif. HUAJH is available for streaming on all platforms, including Spotify.
Key Tracks: Obscure Sorrows, Bleakwood, Heaven
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