Dublin based alt-rock band HAVVK have released a new single ‘Happening Again’. Last year’s album To Fall Asleep transitioned seamlessly between hypnotic indie-rock to fierce punk-grunge. This single follows in the footsteps of that success, bringing us more intensity and mind altering sound.
The emotive vocals of Julie Hawk brings us on a journey of self-awareness and degradation which we all tend to feel at this time of the year. As humans we tend to fall in to the same patterns over and over again that seem endless as years pass by, and it’s only when you reflect on yourself that you realise that its your own cyclical patterns causing the lack of change and progress in your life that you desired when you set those end of year goals. Hawk explains this feeling much better:
“The verses were especially vicious and were really cathartic to write – because in these moments it’s so easy to say cruel things to yourself that you’d never say to anyone else, and to see every little thing as a reminder of how you’ve landed right back where you started.” – Julie Hawk
And whilst the lyrics are a reminder of your own repeating patterns, the symphony creates a mesmeric state through instrumental progression and inevitable return to where it began. Opening with a loop consisting of hypnotic guitar riffs which create a trance-like atmosphere. Broken by a chaotic swell of intensity and urgency as drums pound harder, the guitar becomes more distorted, and the vocals intensify giving the illusion of deep emotional release. To then circle back to the hypnotic rhythms imitating the cyclical nature of our lives which perfectly brings us back to the chorus and name ‘Happening Again’.
“We used the idea of the musical theme that starts the song coming around full circle at the end to try and capture the feeling of dread and realisation of realising you’ve done it again.” – Matt Harris