This little Closer Than Hell EP is my first introduction to the soulful R&B local, Hanorah, and wow, what a gem it is. There’s a timeless, nostalgic tinge to this combination of folk, soul, and shoegaze-y rock. The opener “Matty,” begins with a voice recording of a child talking about their experience at school and then shifts into a summery ode about watching life pass you by.
Hanorah’s vocals can recall someone like Tina Turner or Gladys Knight, but the instrumentation goes for a more maximalist tinge on the track “Barbed Wire,” featuring strings, synths, heavily reverbed-drenched guitar, and some oh so pleasing saxophone. It’s a colossal sounding track, led by Hanorah’s powerful voice, that at times, echoes the world falling apart. “Heavenly One” is the most gentle on Closer Than Hell, a slow burn that ‘oh shit’ moments before falling off a chair. It’s due to the dragging country twang of the whole track, ending with a wistful gospel choir outro.
That gentle tone follows with the EP closer, untitled “(i left my body to love you),” a five minute piano ballad, that features a breathy clarinet (almost echoey something from Andy Shauf), and morphs into that maximalist vibe again with a face melting guitar solo. Closer Than Hell is a great introduction to Hanorah’s fantastical evolution. It will be interesting to see how this is shaped live at Montreal Jazz Fest.
