The gently chugging pace and layered harmonies of ‘No Drama’ by Aotearoa/New Zealand band Hans Pucket positively shimmers with an incandescent glow. There are no doubt genetic connections to the melodic and literate Dunedin/Flying Nun sound and the fey delicacy of the C86 era and the Postcard Records music of bands like Orange Juice, but Hans Pucket have a more layered and complex sound of their own, with a stabbing organic string undercurrent, a muscular guitar intervention, all framed by enigmatic horns.
The melancholic sheen and the ebbing to and fro of the pace adds an indelible lustre: this is something quite bold and dramatic and distinctly fresh with a rousing operatic chorus and anthemic blast. The accompanying video, directed by Annabel Kean, is a charming journey through brightly lit urban landscape:
Hans Pucket are set to release their new album ‘No Drama’ on 4 November through Carpark Records – you can preorder here and below, where you can access the single and previous release, the brilliant ‘My Head is A Vacant Space’:
Hans Pucket are also touring in Australia this month playing with The Beths (details here):
Thursday, 15 September – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Friday, 16 September – The Metro, Sydney
Saturday, 17 September – The Trffid, Brisbane
