If you have attended any music festival in Australia over the past three years, you have most likely come across the explosive and unconventional dance-pop renegades, called Haiku Hands. The Melbourne-Sydney outfit are known to burst out onto the stage with big attitude and energetic choreography, which makes them shine well beyond the dance tent. Not afraid to blend genres, the trio oozes pure creative freedom with everything they do, from their outfits and performances, to their songwriting and music videos. As one of the most exciting and most watched Australian acts, it’s no surprise that Haiku’s fans have been hungry for their debut album.
The 12-track LP features a handful of already-released lead singles, including “Not About You” and, “Manbitch”, as well as Sofi Tukker collaboration “Fashion Model Art”, and explores themes of empowerment, humour and positivity, in signature high-octane Haiku Hands style. Each track seamlessly moves into the next, showcasing the band’s incredible production skills and relatable lyricism. Filled with your fair share of catchy dance-pop bangers, you can expect to hear this album on repeat at the gym, at (COVIDsafe) house parties, or even at a fashion show.
The vibe of the album is immediately presented with dynamic and loud opener “Not About You”, right before bold and empowering single “Manbitch”; both tracks showcase the confident swagger that we’ve grown to love from Haiku Hands. This energy is maintained in standout single “Sunride” — featuring slower, but passively rhythmic beats, it’s our first indication of a potential summer anthem. It’s also one of the first (but not the only time) that we’re offered insight into the more vulnerable side of Haiku Hands. The catchy chorus screams, “We all go a little crazy sometimes, you know me better than I know myself” — a feeling we can all relate to.
“Fashion Model Art”, one of the two vocal collaborations on the album, is the embodiment of all of our pretentious selves. Another standout track, it features the smooth and sultry vocals of NYC duo Sofi Tukker, demonstrating the diversity in both groups’ approaches to making music. The sounds, while highly contrasted, flow fluently in a way that will have you questioning why this collaboration hadn’t already been done, inviting you to channel your inner fashion model and high-end artist.
“‘Haiku Hands’ is in control at every turn, making the listener feel exactly what the three-piece intends, when they want it.”
There are hints of Haiku Hands’ earlier releases, on pop/hip hop fusion tracks “Onset (Feat. Mad Zach)” and “Eat This Bass” — both a reminder of the trio’s rebellious beginnings, making you want to belt along to “I don’t give a fuck, fuck”. All of this energy is then flipped on its head with “Car Crash”, the most sensitive track by far. This emotional, yet unequivocally confident track indicates a sense of fragility that hasn’t been shown before. Giving us major Lily Allen vibes, the lyrics hit home; “It’s such an honour to know you, even when you’re in pain”. Its caring and concerned message is cushioned by the surrounding energetic tracks, offering a layer of defence around a track so vulnerable.
More self-assured than ever, Haiku Hands reminds us of the power of rebellion in music, through defiantly commenting on social imbalances and the ability to take control. Listening to a debut record, you’d expect to feel moments of uncertainty. However, this is not the case with ‘Haiku Hands’. It is in control at every turn, making the listener feel exactly what the three-piece intends, when they want it. The high-quality production, striking songwriting and infectious anthems that complete the record make it the perfect company for any space, whether you want to get sweaty or just get real.
Listen to ‘Haiku Hands’ in full here:
Header image: Cole Bennetts