Words by Tracey Moyle {Music Maven}
Today, Hands Like Houses unveil their highly anticipated fifth studio album, ‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’. A bold 16-track double album, the release unique, in that it’s split into four distinct volumes: ‘Tropo(Sphere)’, ‘Strato(Sphere)’, ‘Meso(Sphere)’, and ‘Thermo(Sphere)’, each offering a unique sonic journey.’
‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ marks a pivotal moment for the band. After their break with vocalist Trenton Woodley, this is a fresh start that propels them into a new chapter for the band. Initially conceived as a collective effort, the album was born from the band’s collaboration with close friends and mentors, creating a space for creativity to flourish. However, it was the bands connection with Josh Raven that will now lead Hands Like Houses into uncharted territory.
This double album marks the band’s first with new frontman. Raven is no stranger to the scene with his commanding and highly versatile vocals already praised as the lead singer of Perth rockers, The Faim. Raven made his debut with Hands Like Houses on Heaven, their first single together in December 2023, and since then, the band has been on a musical roll, releasing a cascade of new music.
According to the band, the writing process for this album was all about community. As they began exploring new directions, they reconnected with Raven, forming a connection that felt almost magical.
‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ is a true collective effort, with contributions from a range of talented artists who are not only friends but also mentors. The band have worked with some brilliant international and local artists including Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost), Emmy Mack (Redhook), Matthew Wright (The Getaway Plan) and more. This collaboration has redefined Hands Like Houses as a new, evolved entity. From start to finish, the album offers a captivating mix of styles, with Raven’s soaring vocals adding a new depth to each track. The four volumes — ‘Tropo’, ‘Strato’, ‘Meso’, and ‘Thermo’, each bring something fresh to the table, showcasing the band’s evolving sound and innovative spirit.
There is no doubt fans will notice Woodley missing. A band who has built a reputation on the depth of their music both sonically and lyrically will always find it hard when they change direction. But the lean toward what will likely be considered a more commercial sound, hasn’t taken anything away from this album or the band. It is a second life for the band, shedding its skin to evolve into something new. In any case when there is a change in lead vocalist, bands have the choice to evolve or die. In this case, I feel Josh Raven and his incredible vocal capacity will help create something new for HLH. They may lose some older fans but will absolutely win over new ones.
‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ begins with Volume One. The first four tracks released come together to form ‘Tropo(Sphere)’. The band’s first release with Raven at the helm, their first single, Heaven, leads the way. The track opens and straight up, new vocalist, Raven, doesn’t hold back. It’s the moment fans will realise that this is not the same HLH they know and love, but Raven’s vocals are strong and versatile and draw you in. The chorus soars with verses kept at a safe steady pace, you can pick up the tremolo in Raven’s vocal at times. The track is catchy with a balance of power behind it. The outro leaves you curious to hear more. The new frontman’s voice is incredible. No arguments there.
Better Before, features Underoath/The Almost vocalist Aaron Gillespie, the first of some high-ranking guests on through this project. The duality of Raven and Gillespie’s vocals play out like an internal argument, the fight we can have with toxic dependency. Heavier than the previous, both sonically and thematically.
Bloodrush brings in the massive vocals of Aussie alt/heavy rock priestess Emmy Mack (Redhook). The track covers the agonising relationship with addiction. The two vocalists work powerfully together capturing the intensity of the overwhelming entanglement with substances that diminish our care of any consequence. Musically, the common thematic narrative of ‘Tropo’ remains in the final track of the first EP. The Getaway Plan’s Matthew Wright has joined forces with the band to create this ambient yet heavy themed track. The song embraces feelings of despair brought on by cycles of negative thinking. It’s the lie we tell ourselves and others when we can’t face our demons “Things are under control, everything is alright No need for concern here, I’m doing just fine”. The dual vocalists carry the melancholic undertone of the song. The ‘mental snap’ through the breakdown followed by the chorus, is like a psychotic break.
It feels like a whole new band. But not in a bad way. Just different.
‘Strato(Sphere)’ brings another four tracks, with 24 Hours opening this section of the release; delivering less grit and more atmosphere.
Hollow follows suit with a soulful, melancholic mood. It brings the softer side of Raven’s vocals out, while the following track Panic brings all the shades, vocals falling back and bursting out throughout. Raven’s screams shadow the bridge in anguish. Wildfire closes off ‘Strato’. The beginning threw me for a second. Was this another dual vocal track? Nope, we are just getting more of Raven’s exceptional vocal range. A progressive leaning track, with a dystopian theme of a world ending in fire and brimstone. This track has so many aspects to it musically and vocally, it becomes more addictive the more you listen.
Halfway through and I can understand why older fans are struggling with the change in direction. It’s not ‘Ground Dweller’ ‘or ‘Unimagine’, but Raven isn’t Woodley. The band have morphed into something new and so far I am in for the ride.
The third instalment of ‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ is ‘Meso(Sphere)’, sees The Devil Of Decisions opening this collection. A darkly emotive song encapsulating the fragility of life. Shame, anger, grief and regret are the focus with haunting lyrics projected with sadness entwined with a feeling of apathy. Hurts Like Hell is an outstanding track. Swedish post-hardcore favourites Normandie collaborate on this track and bring something magical to ‘Meso’. The transition from the previous track is not unlike walking from a gloomy wake into a pumping club. There’s something explosive in this alliance. It does sound like a straight up Normandie track but whatever. It’s on repeat for me. The band says this song is about having a toxic dependency on someone or something but it makes you feel something so beautifully primal. A brilliant track.
The collaborations keep coming with Obey and the distinctive vocals of Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) bringing more texture to this extensive double album release.
Whether you love or hate this new direction for the band you can’t fault their new lead’s outstanding vocals. Chemicals, although not the most spectacular track in the collective, follows the theme. The band are finding their feet and a new direction and they have created a massive body of work to put this new HLH personality out there.
The final instalment is ‘Thermo(Sphere)’, with the subdued Fatally Fractured, returning to the harmonious tones we heard in Hollow.
Despite the drip feed of tracks over the last 15 months, the final three songs on the record are previously unreleased. The emotive belter, ICU, and stirring electronicore track, Parasite, pretty much fit in with what we have already heard, cementing the sound the band have adopted going forward.
Finally, the last guest artists joins in with fellow Canberran and SAFIA frontman Ben Woolner on the aptly titled, The End adding a new flavour with this soulful pop vocals. I love the collaborations with local artists. Having highly revered internationals bringing in their experience and unique edge is a strong show of support for this new incarnation of Hands Like Houses. At a time where we have so many amazing local artists, I am looking forward to more homegrown collabs.
This album is great. I love Raven’s voice, I like the new direction and if they can back up the tracks with stellar live performances then they have a lot to look forward to. No band can replace a lead singer without backlash from an already established fanbase. To begin a new chapter as an established outfit it brave and it’s mostly quite an emotional rollercoaster. Raven’s vocals are without doubt, a whole new direction for the band and there will be mixed reactions from fans. But, you can’t deny the quality and range of his vocals.
I’m keen to see where this latest release takes Hands Like Houses 2.0.
‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ is out now via Civilians – LISTEN HERE
HANDS LIKE HOUSES
UPCOMING SHOWS
ALBUM LAUNCH PARTIES
TICKETS HERE
SAT 15 FEB | CROWBAR, SYDNEY (12PM)
MON 17 FEB | FUN TIME PONY, CANBERRA (7PM)
TUES 18 FEB | STAY GOLD, MELBOURNE (7PM)
W/ THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
JANUARY – MARCH 2025
TICKETS HERE
THU 30 JAN | GILLIGAN’S, CAIRNS, QLD | 18+
FRI 31 JAN | DALRYMPLE HOTEL, TOWNSVILLE, QLD | 18+
SAT 1 FEB | MCGUIRE’S HOTEL, MACKAY, QLD | 18+
SUN 2 FEB | HARVEY ROAD TAVERN, GLADSTONE, QLD | 18+
THU 6 FEB | KINGS BEACH TAVERN, CALOUNDRA, QLD | 18+
FRI 7 FEB | RACEHORSE HOTEL, IPSWICH, QLD | 18+
SAT 8 FEB | SOPO, GOLD COAST, QLD | 18+
SUN 9 FEB | HOEY MOEY, COFFS HARBOUR, NSW | 18+
THU 13 FEB | DRIFTERS WHARF, GOSFORD, NSW | 18+
FRI 14 FEB | WAVES, WOLLONGONG, NSW | 18+
SAT 15 FEB | PANTHERS, PENRITH, NSW | 18+
SUN 16 FEB | DEE WHY RSL, DEE WHY, NSW | 18+
THU 20 FEB | BEER DELUXE, ALBURY, NSW | 18+
FRI 21 FEB | TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY, VIC | 18+
SAT 22 FEB | VILLAGE GREEN, FERNTREE GULLY, VIC | 18+
SUN 23 FEB | PIER HOTEL, FRANKSTON, VIC | 18+
THU 27 FEB | SETTLERS TAVERN, MARGARET RIVER, WA | 18+
FRI 28 FEB | PRINCE OF WALES, BUNBURY, WA | 18+
SAT 1 MAR | FREO SOCIAL, FREMANTLE, WA | 18+
SUN 2 MAR | LOOP, JOONDALUP, WA | 18+
THU 6 MAR | THEATRE ROYALE, CASTLEMAINE, VIC | 18+
FRI 7 MAR | THE SETTS, MILDURA, VIC | 18+
SAT 8 MAR | BEER & BBQ FEST, MT GAMBIER, SA | 18+
SUN 9 MAR | BRIDGEWAY HOTEL, POORAKA, SA | 18+
FRI 14 MAR | DISCOVERY, DARWIN, NT | 18+
Thanks to Bigmouth PR
