Since their formation in 2008, Canberra band Hands Like Houses have established themselves as one of Australia’s most successful rock acts. Their 2012 debut album Ground Dweller debuted at 141 on the Billboard Top 200 and number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The band’s 2013 follow-up album Unimagine was released whilst on Warped Tour; every Australian band’s dream. It goes without saying that the expectations for their third album Dissonants, released February 26, were soaring high, and I can personally guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Canberra’s Hands Like Houses keep the foot firmly planted on the gas on album #3 Dissonants.
I Am gives the album a punchy beginning and features every element of the band you already love. From Woodley’s vocals (clean with a bit of scream) and some pretty damn catchy riffs right through to a vibe that will leave you hungry for more, twelve tracks won’t even come close to quenching your thirst.
By the time you reach Colourblind you’ll be gagging for a live show and you’re only at track three! It’s straight up rock with a few ingredients of Aussie hardcore sewn into the melody. The reverb is strong and the vocals are killer. Each song is different from its predecessor and truly builds to a point where you won’t be able to sit still anymore.
Tracks like Stillwater, Momentary and Motion Sickness will fulfil your emotional needs, licking your little heart-wounds to a point of healing. Closing track Bloodlines will finish this little journey off beautifully and you’ll need a little moment just to deal.
With Jamal Sabet leaving the band last year, many fans were left wondering how this would shape the band’s new album. Dissonants has proven itself as a natural evolution of sound for the band showcasing that Trenton Woodley (vocals) Matt Cooper (guitar), Alex Pearson (guitar), Joel Tyrrell (bass) and Matt Parkitny (drums) really know how to step up to the plate and deliver the goods.
It has to be said that Dissonants features the fundamental characteristics of the Hands Like Houses sound, but whilst you’re sitting in this warm little bubble of familiarity, their growth as a band is obvious and fierce.
Having toured the world and solidified themselves in the American rock scene, the band have produced an album they should be very bloody proud of, and an album every fan will worship. If you’re new to the band and the journey that is Hands Like Houses, then welcome to the sound of your new favourite Aussie rock band.
