The influence of now-deceased guitar legend John Fahey cannot be denied. From his rediscovery of key guitarists like Mississippi John Hurt and Skip James to his influence on modern guitarists such as Sir Richard Bishop, he has left behind a lofty legacy. Even in death, his reach extends through several generations. Human Bell is the newest instrumental band that can be added to Fahey’s ever-growing list of disciples. Although an expanded band plays on their Thrill Jockey debut, Human Bell is primarily core duo Dave Heumann (of Arbouretum) and Nathan Bell (former bassist of Lungfish), hence the name.

While their psych-folk sound is more psych than folk, Fahey’s influence can be heard in the free-flowing nature of their songs and the guitar-playing of Heumann and Bell. While the former lends the music its flow, the latter is the band’s anchor, giving structure to the songs. Both are talented guitarists and the best moments on this record come when they play off each other, like on “Splendor and Concealment.”

The band’s longer songs are more successful, like the almost 10-minute-long “Hanging from the Rafters,” with its several different fully formed sections. Some may write this record (and this type of music) off as monotonous, but those who give it a chance will find Human Bell’s debut to be one of the more rewarding records released recently.