Golomb: The Family Band Reinventing Ohio Indie Rock

By [bestdoll]Published: December 14, 2025

In the rich tapestry of American indie rock, few stories are as organically woven as that of Golomb. Rising from the storied music scene of Columbus, Ohio, this trio has captured the attention of critics and fans alike not just for their fuzz-drenched sound, but for the genuine, unshakeable bond that defines their lineup.

Far from the manufactured “supergroups” of the modern era, Golomb is a testament to the power of shared history. Composed of a married couple and a brother-sister duo, the band’s biography is one of family, legacy, and a relentless commitment to the DIY spirit of the Midwest.

The Lineup: A Family Affair

The chemistry of Golomb is built on relationships that predate the band itself. The trio consists of:

• Mickey Shuman: Vocals and Guitar

• Xenia Shuman (née Holm): Bass and Vocals

• Hawken Holm: Drums

The rhythm section is locked in by blood: Xenia and Hawken are siblings who grew up playing music together. The dynamic is completed by Mickey Shuman, Xenia’s husband. The couple began dating in their teenage years, allowing the band to develop a communication style that is intuitive and often unspoken—a “telepathy” that translates directly into their tight, dynamic live performances.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Music runs deep in the Holm family DNA. Xenia and Hawken’s parents were members of Bigfoot, a regionally renowned indie band in the 1990s. While Bigfoot never achieved massive commercial fame, they were integral to the Ohio scene, with family lore even recounting them sharing a smoke with Kim Deal (of The Breeders and Pixies fame).

Growing up in a household where amps were furniture and rehearsals were background noise, Xenia and Hawken were natural heirs to the Columbus rock tradition. When Mickey entered the picture, he was seamlessly folded into this musical family, and the formation of Golomb in 2019 felt less like a decision and more like an inevitability.

The Columbus Sound: “Psych Scorch” Meets Power Pop

Golomb’s sound is a love letter to the 1990s, filtered through the anxieties and energy of the 2020s. Critics have struggled to pin them to a single genre, often using terms like “psych scorch,” “shoegaze-adjacent,” and “garage pop.“

Their music draws heavily from the legacy of Ohio rock titans like Guided By Voices and The Breeders, blending:

• Lo-fi Aesthetics: A nod to the 4-track recording culture of the underground.

• Melodic Noise: The ability to bury a sweet pop hook under layers of distortion, similar to The Velvet Underground or Yo La Tengo.

• Dynamics: A quiet-loud structure that keeps listeners on their toes.

Career Highlights and The Beat Goes On

The band cut their teeth playing local venues like Café Bourbon Street, quickly earning a reputation for high-energy sets where “dancing and earplugs” were mandatory.

The Rise

• 2022: Released their self-titled debut, a raw collection of songs that established their presence in the Midwest.

• 2024: Released the Love EP, expanding their sonic palette.

• 2025: Signed to No Quarter Records and released their breakthrough sophomore album, The Beat Goes On.

The 2025 album marked a major evolution for the band. Recorded with engineer Keith Hanlon, it moved beyond the “basement tapes” feel of their earlier work, incorporating saxophone, violin, and more complex arrangements. Tracks like “Dog” and “Staring” received national airplay, praised for their ability to sound both vintage and urgently modern.

Why They Matter

In an industry often driven by algorithms and viral trends, Golomb stands out for their authenticity. They are a “living room band” that made it to the big stage without sacrificing the intimacy that makes them special. As Xenia Shuman noted in a 2025 interview, their philosophy is simple: “Family first, band second.”

As they tour across the US and Europe, Golomb continues to prove that the best music often comes from the people you know best.