Champaign, Illinois, band Hum produced a sound that is difficult to pigeonhole, even in retrospect. Similar to Illinois contemporaries Smashing Pumpkins, Hum built a following by playing thick, gauzy layers of aggressive guitar that coalesced into a dreamy haze. Their successful third album, YOU’D PREFER AN ASTRONAUT, seemingly came out of nowhere, anchored by the surprise hit “Stars”. They followed that in 1997 with the less popular but critically acclaimed DOWNWARD IS HEAVENWARD before falling victim to the waning alternative rock boom and record company strife later on. Still respected, they play an occasional reunion show to enthusiastic audiences.