HANDS LIKE HOUSES - HANDS LIKE HOUSES EP
Hands Like Houses is an impressive EP with plenty of life. Thematically it addresses issues with communication and how it affects us inside, especially for those with speaking and hearing difficulties which is forgotten about hugely while we take these senses for granted. Musically it’s fearless, original and exciting.
One of Australia’s most acclaimed modern rock outfits, Hands Like Houses return to the scene with their self-titled EP. From a decade of multiple sold out tours and a huge global fan base, Hands Like Houses already have a strong reputation under their belt. Thrown together in just a 10-day period, the boys have created some of their boldest and rawest work yet. Featuring two big singles released earlier in the year, ‘Space’ and ‘Water’, Hands Like Houses is sure to not disappoint.
‘The Water’ roars into life with grunge bass lines and garage-indie riffs paired with Trenton Woodley’s punchy vocals immediately pull you in. Themes of miscommunications and complications with connecting follow through the whole EP. “Don’t make it harder than it has to be, this place was never meant for someone like me”
‘Space’ carries subtle utopian elements. As Woodley explains, “I picture the protagonist as some beautiful, fantastical, strange and surreal sea creature that has come to live among us but wants to go home...trying to say a heartfelt goodbye”. With a hearty chorus “I NEED SPACE” and backing “ooohs”, ‘Space’ is the perfect sing along, warm up track before things start getting heavier in ‘Dangerous’.
Not only have Hands Like Houses proven they deserve their position in rock with their discography to date but they’ve also shed light on the importance of inclusion around other methods of communication. The artwork for the EP is based around AUSLAN. And although Hands Like Houses don’t actually have any personal experience with using the language themselves, they are committed to giving their fans who do the representation they need which is often forgotten about in music. They also want to play a special homage to AUSLAN interpreters who have been thrust into the media spotlight through extensive global news coverage.
Hands Like Houses is an impressive EP with plenty of life. While only put together in such a short time, it’s not lacking in any areas at all. Thematically it addresses issues with communication and how it affects us inside, especially for those with speaking and hearing difficulties which is forgotten about hugely while we take these senses for granted. Musically it’s fearless, original and exciting.
Rosie Chalk
★★★★☆