Australian rock band Hands Like Houses have just come back to release their third studio album “Dissonants.” Hands Like Houses have a musical style like no other. Combining influences from experiential rock, melodic hardcore and alternative rock, it is no surprise this album is such an attention getter. As a way to get fans pumped for this new album, Hands Like Houses released three singles, “I Am”, “Colourblind” and “New Romantics.” However, those tracks were only the tip of the iceberg. Every aspect of this album certainly hit the nail on the head. For fans of Yellowcard, Sleeping With Sirens and Memphis May Fire this album is definitely the one for you.
The first single to be released off the album and first track “I Am” shows the many sides and talents of Hands Like Houses. “You’re one of a thousand voices in my head that all just sound the same” is the staple line of this track. Hands Like Houses combined harder melodies, and a few harsh screams with exceptional lyrics and singing to create the perfect recipe to success for this track. This song is definitely more reminiscent of their harder style in their first album “Ground Dweller” while still incorporating a more peaceful melody much like their second album “Unimagine.” This track definitely highlights Hands Like Houses and all their many talents as a whole.
For fans of old school Hands Like Houses, “Division Symbols” is definitely the right track. This track in cooperates singer Trenton Woodley’s beautiful melodies with their harder guitar style ultimately creating a masterpiece. Lyrics “alone in this house we’re all broken and hopeless again and again” give this track a more angsty vibe. Hands Like Houses have prided themselves on creating powerful but relatable lyrics and this track is certainly no exception. This track definitely sets the tone for the record as whole. This tracked placed on the middle of the album definitely leaves the listener craving more.
Closing track “Bloodlines” is without a doubt the anthem to this record. Combining all their familiar styles with a touch of gang vocals create the perfect vibe for this track and ultimately the record. Lyrics such as “I don’t care if I leave empty-handed. I will learn if I make my own mistakes,” definitely provide a sense of hopefulness for the listener. This track takes the listener on an emotional journey of feeling like crashing, to picking yourself right back up.
Overall, Hands Like Houses have once again proved their talent. This record gives fans a new taste of Hands Like Houses while still providing them with the sound they already know and love. This album as a whole is very much a battle cry with strong yet uplifting lyrics. Nothing about this record is anywhere close to disappointment.
