Josh Hannan, a Melbourne artist who has been capturing hearts with a string of evocative singles, delivers a compelling and deeply personal narrative with his 'DEAD HEART' EP. A stark and intimate exploration of emotional turmoil, the EP is perfectly delivered with a striking blend of vulnerability and artistic precision.
The EP opens with 'bleed for u', a haunting piano-driven track that sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead. "I hated how we said goodbye, how we said it wasn't worth the fight," Hannan sings, and the line lands with a palpable weight. His vocals, full of raw honesty, are perfectly paired with the sombre melody. This track immediately establishes Hannan's ability to capture the pain of fractured relationships with unflinching clarity.
'aftermath', co-written with Robby De Sa, explores the complexities of long-term relationships and the temptations that can threaten them. Hannan describes it as being "about coming to terms with the temptations in a long-term relationship, dealing with the attention directed at yourself or your partner and how it can effect everything in your life." The gorgeous piano and Hannan's earnest delivery create an atmosphere of quiet desperation, reflecting the internal struggle he portrays.
The title track, a brooding, self-composed centrepiece, reveals Hannan's unique creative process. He explains it "depicts how it feels to have your trust shaken," and this raw honesty bleeds into every note. His inspiration, a fascinating mix of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings and his own university studies in cardio physiology, reveals a mind that sees the human heart as both a scientific marvel and an emotional battleground. "I was doing cardio physiology at uni and I had this visual idea of building a new heart," he explains. "We were actually chopping up hearts, working it all out, and I was super inspired by that." This fusion of clinical observation and profound feeling gives 'dead heart' a visceral, almost unsettling power.
'am i even on ur mind?' shifts gears slightly, offering an acoustic pop-driven sound that's undeniably catchy. Co-written with Sam Fischer and featuring guest vocals from Anna Hamilton, the track explores the fragility of young love and the anxieties of growing up. It's a delicate, yet undeniable earworm, and the shared vocals add a compelling layer of emotional complexity that shines in every moment.
The EP closes with 'the girl i love', a track that consolidates Hannan's strength in crafting intimate, emotionally charged narratives. His vocals blossom over subtle touches of strings and orchestral backing, leaving you completely ensnared. Across 'DEAD HEART', Hannan’s talent for translating personal experience into compelling music is evident. He's not afraid to expose his vulnerabilities, and his unique blend of scientific curiosity and emotional depth makes for a truly captivating listening experience.
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