Riotous dance-pop outfit Haiku Hands are in the midst of an Australian mini-tour, the eclectic foursome gusting their way through Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne like a fierce whirlwind. Backseat Mafia were excited to catch last night’s Brisbane show, where the group delivered a rousing spectacle of wicked choreography and fierce, outspoken anthems about art, fashion, dance and rebellion. Following their recent release of power-single Super Villain, as well as a self-titled album released last September, Haiku Hands delivered a wild dose of charisma, positivity and bravado, with a sense of inclusivity and fun.
Setting the tone with raucous opener – latest track Super Villain – the contagious, tribal beats and defiant vocal chants immediately brought all in the house to their feet. The Arabian-inspired synth sounds and tightest of dance moves were on fire for Squat, cementing the group’s reputation for creating perfect modern, anthemic gems. Dare You not to Dance was a particular favourite with its infectiously blaring, jungle house influence Able to fuse a sense of the absurd with acerbic humour and fearlessness, Haiku Hands blend an eclectic mix of musical styles to create intoxicating sounds and live performances. The show was last night supported by the sounds of DJ Soju, the avante-garde electronica of Lalki and some stunning vocals from rising Brisbane vocalist Hanni.
In 2019 Haiku Hands performed in the US for the first time, performing a series of SXSW shows, supporting feminist Japanese punk quartet CHAI, opening for Tame Impala, touring with SOFI TUKKER and finishing a massive year by then touring nationally with Hermitude. More recently, they have brought their brand of outrageous fun to both Sydney Festival and the Sydney Dance Company and will take the stage at Wide Open Space Festival in May.
Recent single (produced by Machinedrum) Super Villain is somewhat of an epic banger, with a determined tribal rhythm that immediately elicits fist-pumps and a fighting stance. The accompanying video perfectly captures Haiku Hands’ signature, high-energy dance moves. Filmed at a warehouse party in Marrickville, Sydney, the group invited their favourite party people to bring along lights, PA’s, esky’s and as much energy as they could muster.
“The track is one of the most freeing songs to perform live, we feel powerful and tap into the wildest parts of ourselves” – Haiku Hands
Rebellious, experimental and wildly unconventional, self-titled album Haiku Hands was released last September and recorded mainly in Melbourne with Joel Ma (Joelistics) and features impressive collaborations with SOFI TUKKER, Mad Zach, Machine Drum, Mirac, Elgusto of Hermitude and Lewis Cancut. Featuring the quirky brilliance of Not About You, Manbitch, Onset and Fashion Model Art (feat. SOFI TUKKER), the 12-track LP provides a left-of-centre social commentary on technology, relationships and the outright absurd.
Haiku Hands are now making their way to Melbourne for their final show tonight at Howler – catch them if you can. Latest single Super Villain is out now. Debut album Haiku Hands is also out now through Spinning Top Records and Mad Decent
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