hey, nothing – Hound (2026)

Emerging from Atlanta’s vibrant emo-folk scene, the teenage duo hey, nothing—comprised of Tyler Mabry and Harlow Philips—has returned with their eagerly awaited sophomore album, Hound, released in the summer of 2026 under Interscope’s Music Soup imprint. This release follows the critical acclaim and growing fanbase that were sparked by their 2024 debut, We’re Starting to Look Like Each Other, and the unexpected success of their standalone single “i haunt ur dreams.”

The trajectory of hey, nothing’s ascent has been marked by a blend of intimate songwriting and raw emotional energy. Their performance at the 2025 Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City, where they shared the stage with established indie-rock act Built to Spill, signaled a pivotal moment for the duo. Despite their youth and relative obscurity at the time, their set demonstrated a compelling maturity and infectiousness that resonated deeply with those in attendance.

Following a period of intense touring and rising pressure, Mabry and Philips opted for a temporary hiatus to recalibrate their personal and creative relationship, a move that allowed them to reconnect beyond their collaboration as a band. This break proved essential, as it laid the groundwork for the nuanced and emotionally layered material that would define Hound.

Musically, Hound opens with a trio of tracks that juxtapose energetic melodies and singalong hooks with lyrics that reveal internal struggles and vulnerability. Songs like “Hound,” “Black Bear,” and “Boat Garage” serve as entry points to the album’s exploration of anxiety, self-doubt, and perseverance, channeling classic emo themes through a folk-inflected lens.

As the album progresses, the mood shifts towards darker, quieter territories. Mid-album tracks delve into themes of depression and fractured relationships, underscoring the duo’s ability to confront difficult emotions with candor and subtlety. Acoustic instrumentation and restrained vocal delivery on songs like “Drywall” and “Walk Forever” create a contemplative atmosphere that stands in contrast to the album’s more anthemic moments.

The sequencing on Hound highlights hey, nothing’s growing confidence as songwriters. The five-track stretch of subdued, introspective songs avoids predictable climaxes, instead fostering space for reflection. This approach culminates in the album’s nearly six-minute closer, “Arteries,” where Philips’s vocals build gradually, embodying the persistent impact of formative experiences that shape identity.

While details about the duo’s future plans remain limited, interviews suggest that the creative tension and friendship that underpin hey, nothing’s music continue to evolve. Their willingness to prioritize personal connection amid the demands of emerging success may prove vital in sustaining their artistic journey.

Hound stands as a testament to hey, nothing’s maturation both musically and personally. It encapsulates the challenges and rewards of youth navigating the pressures of the music industry while remaining true to an emotionally authentic voice. As the album settles into listeners’ consciousness with the arrival of autumn, it positions the band as a compelling presence in the emo-folk landscape, with potential for further growth and innovation.