Numbskull [Yellow Vinyl LP]

Ryan Hemsworth - Numbskull [Yellow Vinyl LP]

Having worked with the likes of Alex G, Tinashe, Mitski, and countless others over a 15-year span, Ryan Hemsworth has developed an uncanny ear for talent while simultaneously honing his craft as a shapeshifting producer comfortable in any genre setting. Numbskull is Hemsworth's first solo album since 2018's Elsewhere, and his first for Topshelf Records.

On Numbskull, Hemsworth squares a tangled mix of influences ranging from shoegaze to lo-fi to metal, all squeezed through the lens of his globe-trotting pop background. Hemsworth embraces these heavy, distorted influences on the blown-out lead single "One Step," a blaring foundation for the boisterous vocal performance delivered by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties.

Hemsworth's links to the hardcore scene have grown over the years, leading him to Ian Shelton of Militarie Gun, who introduced Hemsworth to MSPAINT's Dylan Kern, whose raw and raucous vocal feature for "No One Else" calls to mind the Beastie Boys. Take "Never Learned" featuring Tegan and Sara, the album's twist and midway anchor point—an unexpected jolt of huge guitar and blast beats.

Jacket, obi, printed inner sleeve, polybag, w/ download card.

Track Listing:
A1. Vortex
A2. One Step
A3. I Missed You More
A4. Toy
A5. No One Else
A6. Never Learned
A7. Atypical
B1. Winter Spring
B2. A Display of Emotion
B3. Breed
B4. Break
B5. Shifting and Turning