With the release of the album’s first single on January 25th, 2016, “Colourblind,” the band brought a haunting and stirring intro to feed listeners’ heavy hearts before diving in deep to a more alternative-rock sound throughout the rest of the song, leaving the band’s post-hardcore influence on the side to play its part when ready.
Tuning back into their Unimagined days, “Glasshouse,” begins with an electronic base, before rowing its way through a rhythmic rollercoaster. With frontman Trenton Woodley showing off his vocal range with higher tones followed by a melodic raspiness, we hear a return of the hardcore vibe Hands Like Houses had in their previous albums. Though there’s a slight change in sound, no one seems to be complaining about this new sound they’ve acquired.
A theme very prominent in the new album is its alarming fast paced touch. While closing off the album with “Bloodlines,” the band plays on a perfect line between too fast and too slow. The beginning seconds of this track are oddly sudden and out of nowhere, it is then brought down to a slower and more serene sound. The highlight of this track must be the gang vocals that show up around the middle of the track, bringing in a sense of family and familiarity.
Hands Like Houses, post-hardcore band gone slightly less hardcore and more alternative? They’ve revamped their sound and seem to be re-establishing themselves as something more on the alternative side, yet seemingly fitting their style, still. So here it is, Hands Like Houses, re-imagined and still rocking on.
The group’s third full length album comes out to the public on February 26th, 2016. Pre-order it now here and prepare for their new sound.
Download: “Stillwater,” “Bloodlines,” and “New Romantics” (Although the entire album is worth the download)
Rate: 5/5
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