To write a review of hAND would be unfair I think. I make no secret of the fact that I really really like them. They play some amazing music for ones so young - I DO hear them as gothic and, with their new drummer, remind me even more of Siousxie and the Banshees with their use of single guitar lines, rolling bassery and non-standard drum patterns. They were hard as nails last night and went for it from the off. The sound was great. This band don't need a crowd in front of them to get into what they're doing but they sure deserve one so come on guys - if you see them gigging somewhere near you make the effort to go get an earful. In a world where there are so many copycat groups take the opportunity to hear something original - if you want some new ideas, go sample some of their's cos they've got 'em by the bucket load.
If there is one criticism of them as a band it would be that they lack a clearly defined central point of focus. Their musicianship is divided evenly between Kat and Kieran and they are good to watch as they play but lots of 'non band' type people expect to see someone 'out front' as it were, and hAND lack this. It would be a pity if Kat stopped being such a great bassist in order to spend more time as an obvious front person but its something they have loads of time to experiment with and I know they'll get it right. Its a sign of the times that this is something that they even have to think about, but it is currently, I think, the (poor) way of the marketting led music-world we live in today.
PS. I Like hAND.
Dominic - First.Subject
hAND - were fabulous. (I'm obviously a fan of this kind of music) They looked , dressed, played and sounded a whole lot better than last year. Kat's transformation from girl-next-door on keyboards to Thunderbird bass welding rock chick was stunning and Keiran was far and away the best guitarist on the night. His mastery of electric guitar tones is second only to Enemies Nick IMHO. I would have really loved to see them in the final.
Kieren and Kat from hAND were so pumped up that I noticed they paced the equipment chute for a good 10 minutes before going on stage. All that adrenalin must have worked because as soon as they started their first song ‘Clannad Mass’ it was clear that they meant business. Kat, who in an inspired decision has traded her keyboard for the bass, laid down some hefty rhythm which linked well with the obviously sympathetically programmed drum machine, and let fly with some good vocals which have improved from last year. Kieren also really impressed me with his technical ability and overall sound, easy to forget that with some of the programming they use, which is a dark art in itself, he is overlaying the whole thing with some classy and intricate guitar work. ‘Reverant Waltz’, which I think is relatively new, and means about 4 months work for these guys, was a complex compelling arrangement which swirled around you, jabbing out every now and again with a change of direction and all the while hinting of some monstrous lurking crescendo; very nice indeed. hAND know all the arguments about adding a drummer etc, which ultimately I guess is up to them, but I’m pleased that they have kept their vision and style of music. Last year I said they had great potential, this performance showed that they are well on the way to achieving it; the judges agreed and placed them second on the night but I couldn’t help thinking that in another heat it could have been first.
"Next up were hAND who gave the audience a sample of their own brand of gothic alternative rock which falls somewhere between prog rock, 80’s metal and rock opera. Although the band only consists of Kat and Kieren they produced a big noise, if you closed your eyes you would think that at least half a dozen people were on stage. The sound they produced was intricate, thoughtful and very original. They started with ‘Pockets for Sockets’ which included some beautiful keys which when they trailed off you couldn’t help but think of Tori Amos. ‘Dust Anyway’ was the best track which started like a steam train trying to chug up a steep gradient and finished with it screaming down the other side with all whistles blowing. It’s clear that hAND have enormous potential..."