Sam Herlihy launches ‘Insignificance’ via text adventure game
Singer-songwriter Samuel J Herlihy is diving headfirst into a reflective solo journey, dropping his latest single Insignificance through an unconventional medium: a text-based adventure game.
This new musical offering follows Herlihy’s exciting announcement last year that he was embarking on a solo career. It marks a shift in focus, offering listeners a deep, personal dive into the complexities of existence through sound.
The themes woven into the music are anything but simple. Herlihy describes the songs as a blend of the profound and the absurd—a mix of sadness, humor, weight, and the delightfully odd. They serve as memorials to friends, weird childhoods, unhappy accidents, and sheer, insane luck, looking both to those long gone and to those currently around us.
The sound itself nods to musical giants, beginning with intriguing instrumental melodies before building into chorus lines dominated by fuzz-drenched guitars. There are clear echoes of early Bob Dylan material, alongside influences from artists like Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce and Kurt Cobain.
“I think I’d seen the Dylan movie, and I was thinking about how great those first couple of records were,” Herlihy shared. He noted that the track Insignificance itself acts as a nod to Jim O’Rourke’s record, simultaneously feeling traditional and utterly out there.
This exploration of influence extends to the songs, which often focus on the importance of other bands and their music. Herlihy believes it is vital to celebrate those who can break hearts, finding meaning in music when religion is absent and the world undervalues it.
As Herlihy prepares for his next chapter, he is also gearing up for a full solo album titled Poltergeist, slated for release in October. He plans to record this material entirely self-produced, utilizing the same cassette technology he used for his earliest songs.
Meanwhile, the Hope Of The States trio is also making waves. They recently wrapped up a highly anticipated UK reunion tour in 2024, bringing together a powerful live experience. They have continued their momentum by releasing new material, including singles like Footage/Steamtrain and Billboard Mountain, alongside a reissue of their debut record, The Lost Riots.
The reunion cemented a shared sense of excitement. Herlihy expressed genuine gratitude for the experience, noting that being on stage with the band, even with all the messy emotions involved, was a truly wonderful and joyful thing.
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