H. Grimace give us plenty to smile about with their brooding and swirling new single ‘Land/Body’.
The London-based four-piece – of Hannah Gledhill (vocals/guitar), Marcus Browne (guitar), Corin Johnson (bass) and Diago Gomes (drums) – have just announced the release of their debut album, ‘Self Architect’ (out on 7 April via Opposite Number), following on from last year’s attention-grabbing ‘Royal Hush’ 7”. If ‘Land/Body’ is anything to go by, this band can expect to receive more critical acclaim for their debut full-length.
The track begins with a slow, rippling riff that swells on waves of cymbals and fuzz before the beat sends it crashing forward. Gledhill’s vocals are echoing and distant behind jangling guitars and there are elements of PJ Harvey in her sound. In fact, I can hear lots to love with flashes of Savages and Desperate Journalist too.
The band say the inspiration for ‘Land/Body’ comes from “the idea that we are living through the end of nature and what changes have occurred from the likes of mass production and standardisation. It delves into the possibilities that this has affected our sense of belonging and roots as Hannah sings ‘Nothing thrives in uniformity’, truly resonating that notion.” There is an undertone of trying to break free throughout the track with Gledhill singing “I can’t accept the environment that we’re in” and frequent, unsettling, changes of tempo.
H. Grimace may have grounded their sound in heavy post-punk but it’s the sparkling moments of dreamy shoegaze that sends ‘Land/Body’ soaring and leaves me smiling.
