Hanging Hills are a folk-rock band based in Philadelphia but originally from Connecticut. In true folk tradition Hanging Hills are a band with understatedly lofty aims, saying they aim to “craft songs that are rooted in the past but maintain a steady foothold in the present… constantly bridging the gap between nostalgia and innocent wonder”. This mission statement captures Hanging Hills rather nicely, their lush compositions and erudite lyrics built on a bedrock of time-old folk/country.
The band are soon to release a new EP, Sewn, their first release since 2014 full-length The Great Divide. Today we’re very happy to present ‘Vanitas’, the first single from said EP. Holding true to the above motto, the track’s sound is rich and warm and country-dusted, strummed acoustic guitars like a warm breeze through everything. The vocals are distinctive, neither smooth nor gravelly, delivering philosophical lyrics about life and our perception of ourselves within it, how we create the stories of our time on earth and learn their lessons the same.
“In the evening when dusk comes rambling rolling in
And voices whispers, at bedsides vespers ring
Out to what power? I don’t really care to know
Prosed existence the universe is a dark show “
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Sewn is due for release on the 2nd of February. I’ve heard it already and can confirm that the quality continues throughout the whole release. Be sure to keep on eye on the Hanging Hills Bandcamp page and website for pre-order details, and look out for our full review nearer release.