Brooklyn newcomers Honey VHS have delivered a remarkably assured introduction with their debut eight-track record, ‘With Pulp’. Born from the collaborative spark between singer-songwriter Cameron Roberts and guitarist Luca Moneti Schliemann in 2025, the band—completed by Joe Bailey and James Steinberg—fuses elements of alternative rock, blues, and classic folk into a sound that feels both nostalgic and instantly endearing. Recorded largely with producer Lucas Saur and mastered by Amy Dragon, the album thrives on a deliberate rejection of modern digital gloss, opting instead for a warm, unvarnished aesthetic.
The record opens with the dreamy allure of ‘If You Want Me’, a track that immediately highlights Roberts’ tastefully raw vocals. Rather than hiding behind heavy production, the band allows the organic instrumentation to breathe, establishing a relaxed yet captivating atmosphere. This commitment to intimacy is exemplified by ‘November’. After an attempt at a layered studio version felt too detached, the duo re-recorded it at the foot of Schliemann’s bed in Ridgewood, preserving the song's original vulnerability.
Throughout the track list, the arrangements expand naturally. Pieces like ‘Jet Lag’ and ‘Never Left the Ground’ evolve from simple acoustic sketches into richer sonic landscapes, elevated by Saur’s tasteful keys and cello, alongside slide guitar contributions from Alex Harwood and percussion by Pele Greenberg. Yet, the band remains grounded; the stripped-down acoustic instrumental ‘Cotten Rag’ arrives precisely when needed, offering a calm, mid-album pause that proves the band can hold attention with minimal noise.
This tape-centric process fosters a tangible chemistry between the creators. As Roberts notes, "’With Pulp’ came from the two of us discovering that we loved writing together and learning how to collaborate. The songs all started so simple, just voice and guitar, going back and forth. That dialogue is a core part of our songwriting."
While the sonic textures are delightfully nostalgic, the emotional weight of the record is timeless. The tracks navigate universal anxieties surrounding self-doubt and transition, though tenderness ultimately wins. As Schliemann observes, "The whole album kind of plays like a love story to me, there are lots of tender moments in there." By the time the soulful closer ‘Secrets Are For Losers’ wraps up, Honey VHS leaves a lasting impression of a band fully aligned with their creative instincts.
You can stream the full release on Spotify now, and for more, keep up with the band’s analogue journey on Instagram.
