Australian alt-dance trio Haiku Hands (Claire Nakazawa, Beatrice Lewis, and Mie Nakazawa) announce their upcoming sophomore album, Pleasure Beast, due December 1 via Spinning Top Records. To celebrate their new LP, the trio return with a thumping pop anthem, ‘Feels So Good’ – a cut of euphoric indie sleaze with a propulsive break beat that will make you want to dance, as well as boasting an all-star production team consisting of Dan Farber (Lizzo, Tkay Maidza, G-Flip) and Josh Fountain (BENEE, Ladyhawke).
Speaking to the single, Claire Nakazawa said, “I recorded my vocals for ‘Feels So Good’ two nights before I gave birth, so the chorus ‘let it out it feels so good it makes you want to cry’ took on a whole new meaning. The music is inspired by Fatboy Slim’s anthemic dance vibe and Gorillaz. We hope it makes people feel good and encourages them to let it out, sing & dance!”
Beatrice Lewis added, “‘Feels So Good’ is a song about speaking your truth into a world that would often much prefer you to stay quiet, polite, in line and obedient. It can be speaking loud political truths or quiet needs and wants to the people closest to you. This song is a dedication to those moments in your life when you can be brave enough to find your voice and let it out.”
Pleasure Beast serves as a sonic exploration into the minds of Haiku Hands. From a four-on-the-floor sweaty moshpit to a tropical island dream bath – the songs on the album soundtrack the different states ands stories that Claire, Beatrice and Mie have found themselves in since their debut, self-titled release in 2020. For this next release, the trio have weaved together their diverse musical backgrounds and take you on an energetic journey through the absurdity of life, power, parties and all the feels.
Their 2020 self-titled debut, Haiku Hands, received critical acclaim from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone, DIY and Paste. Dubbed an “unapologetic blast of gleeful rebellion”, the release was followed by multiple AIR Award nominations for Breakthrough Independent Artist and Best Independent Dance or Electronic Album. They burst back onto the scene earlier this year with electronic-punk dance floor heater, ‘Nunchucka’, which received support from triple j, FBi, Purple Sneakers, The Music and many more. The single was closely followed by fan favourite, ‘Ma Ruler’, designed to make you feel you’re deep in the belly of an underground warehouse banger, whether you’re dancing alone in your home, in the park on a sunny Saturday, or in the cereal aisle on a routine grocery run.
The trio recently performed a string of tour dates throughout the US, including NY’s Governor’s Ball which landed them the cover of Sydney Morning Herald’s S Magazine. Returning to their home soil, Haiku Hands next graced the Archies Party at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for an iconic high-energy set. Announcing new Australian 2023 festival dates, the trio are set to grace Pambula Beach to appear at Wanderer Festival on September 30. Next, Haiku Hands will be taking their adrenaline-fuelled show to Sydney’s inner West, performing at the Marrickville Music Festival on October 15, before they head down to the psychedelic Subsonic Festival, December 8.