Hanabie
Hot Topic
Sony Music
Self styled ‘harajuku-core’ quartet Hanabie are back with this bright and breezy EP that is a good representation of where the band are at this point in time. The speed that they have developed their sound is quite astonishing with ‘Hot Topic’ seeing yet more adventurous writing and willingness to embrace everything from pop sensibilities to ever more aggressive ‘core’ punchlines. Tempo wise there are some frenetic moments mixed in with passages that are pure Kawaii. People might be expecting Babymetal as a musical reference but the reality is closer to Scene Queen and Wargasm. The vocal exchanges between Yukina and Matsuri add a broadness and depth to the songs only hinted at previously. It’s a maturing born as much of confidence as increased ability. Final track ‘?????????????’ differs from the others by dropping the metal elements completely but still retains continuity – a hint maybe that this is an area to be explored more? Following on from a highly successful tour last year this is a timely reminder of the immense potential Hanabie have to go on to new heights.
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Review by Gary Trueman