Review: Hands Like Houses - Reimagine EP

Reimagine is a remake of five songs from the band’s sophomore album, Unimagine. Taking an acoustic and alternative view to their usual rock sound, the songs are each reinvented and placed in a spotlight filled with beautiful instrumentation and melodic vocals. While some might miss the loud instruments and screaming vocals, I can tell you that nothing is lost by toning the songs down. Rather, something is added, something that shows a dimension and beauty not noticed before.
The EP begins with the “recollect (Shapeshifters)”. Carrying with it a warmer feel than the original, it manages to tone down the intensity heard in the original and replaces it with a beautiful, melodic vibe that keeps the song’s main message of love in the forefront. Following is “Revive (Introduced Species)”. The original version is probably my favourite Hands Like Houses song, so I had high expectations for this, and, if I’m being honest, all were shattered. It goes without saying that vocalist Trenton Woodley has an amazing voice, and he sounds in his element on this track as he showcases his strength and ability. When added to the gang vocals and piano, it essentially wraps everything up with a little bow.
“rediscover (No Parallels)” is the third track on Reimagine and the one that took a little getting used to. I’m a major fan of the original, as I love the passion and intensity heard in the instrumentation and vocals, so it was a little weird hearing it stripped down. Upon first run threw, it’d be easy to think it a completely different song, especially during the chorus. But it’s the same and the fact the band were able to accomplish such a drastic change should be applauded.
The EP’s fourth track is “release (A Tale of Outer Suburbia)” and it is honestly beautiful – there’s no other way to describe it. I was never a massive fan of the original version, but this has given me a whole new appreciation for it. Woodley’s vocals manage to stay the same as heard on Unimagine, but the acoustic guitar and light drumming simply transform it into a song that sounds as if it were written to be acoustic.
What follows is Reimagine’s final track, “reflect (Developments)”. A song that utilizes the piano to the best of its ability, it really holds its own - if I’m being honest, it’s probably the EP’s standout track. Upon first listen, the listener is taken to a place they’ve never been and are able to appreciate the beauty of a song that’s been completely overhauled. The aforementioned piano and backing vocals add a new layer of dimension that is captivating and create a truly beautiful track.
Overall, Reimiagine can be described with one word: beautiful. I was truly blown away with how much I love this EP, from the soft vocals to the melodic instrumentation, and I actually found myself liking some of the new songs better than their original versions. Reimagine shows just how diverse Hands Like Houses are and if it doesn’t stop the Rise Records haters from stereotyping the band then I don’t know what will. It’s a solid release and one that carries with it a beauty I wish more songs held.
Download: release (A Tale of Outer Suburbia)
5/5
By Clare Fitzgerald
