After their release of “Uminagine” in 2013, I was pretty sure that Hands Like Houses could not get any better. As such, I had relatively low expectations when I heard they were releasing a new album, simply because I didn’t think there was any way it could be half as good as “Unimagine” was. After their singles “I Am” “New Romantics” and “Colourblind” were released, I reassessed my opinion. I rationalized that their newest album “Dissonants” could be as good as “Unimagine,” but there was no way it could be better. And yet, I was still wrong. “Dissonants” has done the impossible, by surpassing the already high bar set by “Unimagine.”
Hands Like Houses hails from Canberra, Australia. In 2008, they debuted with “Ground Dweller” featuring guest artists such as Jonny Craig, of Dance Gavin Dance. They followed up “Ground Dweller” with their masterpiece “Unimagine” and have solidified their musical prowess with their 2016 album “Dissonants.”
Hands Like Houses has always been a bit of genre enigma. Generally, on Pandora, they are mixed with post-hardcore powerhouses, such as Memphis May Fire. Although their instrumental style is definitely post-hardcore, they do not have the trademark unclean vocals of the genre. Hands Like Houses is too heavy to be clean cut alternative rock, but not quite heavy enough to be post-hardcore. Their music is complex, head-banging alternative rock that would appeal to any metalhead, but, when coupled with their poetic lyrics, the music builds an adventurous, almost ethereal atmosphere, which appeals to listeners from a wide variety of musical backgrounds.
“Dissonants” further solidifies this style. The lyrics in each song are amazing, engaging the listener both on a rhythmic and intellectual level. This album is the kind that makes you think, if you really listen to the lyrics. On top of that, the music is tight and cohesive enough that it feels like an album. However, each song still brings its own unique spin on the overall style, so that the album does not feel stale or repetitive.
Their music is, if nothing else, very engaging. It excites the listener and entices them to keep listening to the entire album, while the lyrics allow them to reflect on themselves. The album also has an excellent balance. While tracks like “I Am” and “Colourblind” suck the listener in with its pounding drumbeats and intricate guitar riffs, other songs like “Stillwater” and “Perspectives” give the listener a moment to slow down and contemplate.
“Dissonants” plays on the best parts of “Unimagine” and makes them better. Overall, “Dissonants” is much more energetic, enhancing the adventurous atmosphere. This atmosphere could motivate the listener to do anything from getting out of bed to slaying a dragon. “Dissonants” is a big step in an exciting and wonderful direction for the band. The only real question is, can they make a better album than “Dissonants”? Since they topped “Unimagine,” it seems like anything is possible for Hands Like Houses.
Overall, I would give this album a 10/10. That’s not a rating I tend to throw around, and, if it weren’t for the upcoming release of “Dark Matter” by The Word Alive, I would confidently say that “Dissonants” is 2016’s best rock album, even though it is only March (stay tuned for my take on Dark Matter J )
Tracks I recommend: “I Am,” “Glasshouse,” “Colourblind,” “Bloodlines” but honestly, they are all good.
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