ALBUM REVIEW: HOOMAN AFTER ALL – SiM

Japanese rock outfit, SIM, have put out their newest record HOOMAN AFTER ALL. The quartet, in simple terms, cannot be put into a box when it comes to their musical style and vibes as it is well and truly everything, everywhere all at once. In the best way possible. Even the time frames are non-linear as the record is heavily influenced by the late 90s and early 00s, in their own words: “It feels fresh, but at the same time, there’s this weird nostalgia running through it.”

So, what can you expect from the record and what would the average listener experience during a first time playthrough? Well firstly, likely that time will be spent with their jaw on the ground and having problems with staying still as you cannot resist the urge to dance, jump around, and everything in between. A fact immediately obvious with opening track FiVE TiMES DEAD (by my wallet) where we are greeted with feedback before kicking off into a loud electronicore breakdown with some additional punk elements with shouty, anthemic vocals. If we had to compare it, you could draw some similarities to the compositions created by SET IT OFF that are rock in nature but then branch off into different directions from pop melodies to theatrical soundscape to a spoken word section here and there. But whatever way you describe it, you can agree that it sounds incredible.

It also wouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that one of these songs is the official theme for upcoming anime, Black Torch, this being FREEZE ME UP that is a fast dramatic number one can easily picturing setting the scene for any onscreen moment. Yet it’s not the only time you have this thought. Whilst not officially included, HOLD MY BEER is a song that could very easily come out of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, whether as part of the official soundtrack for the anime, or one of the songs that’s played on the radio as you navigate the world in the video game.

Honestly we would happily spend all day going over each amazing moment on this record but, alas, we are limited on time, so as a quick rundown: BLiNDEYES brings in folk metal elements with the use of cultural instruments blended seamlessly with hyperpop sounds, tied together nicely with a melodic pop chorus. The Sniffling Cats Ska as the title suggests, brings in ska that’s just pure fun, and Karen’s Son is an anthemic punk meets metalcore number with plenty of moments where you want to pump your fist in the air and singalong to. And we didn’t expect on our 2026 bingo card to find a song that would have you happily singing about a Karen.

This is just pure fun, brilliant chaos that never goes in any linear direction and you will come out of it with a revitalised energy. A solid record.

Rating: 9/10

HOOMAN AFTER ALL is out now via UNFD. 

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