After what seems like eternity, Hatcham Social are DAYS away from releasing The Birthday Of The World. Their magnificent new record is well worth the wait, and it’s made me fall back in love with them. I became a fan many moons ago when I was at university, and they still give you that giddy feeling in your belly with their new material.
Hatcham Social are one of the country’s finest bands, and I think with The Birthday Of The World they have created something that feels like it could be the soundtrack to a insanely weird film. As if you’ve fallen into another world and you’ve got no chance of getting out. I don’t feel like I’m listening to a current band; part of me feels like I’ve gone back to the 70s and the other part feels like I’ve got a preview of the future.
The Birthday Of The World is the record you put on at a house party when everyone seems to have fallen asleep in weird places and in strange positions. The song ‘Darling’ will sway the wired folks into the most perfect slumber. It’s my favourite moment on the record, and it feels like a reassuring lullaby.
As someone who’s been into Hatcham Social for quite some time, I am confident in saying that this is their strongest record to date. It doesn’t fall into any genre, it just sounds like a magical work of art and you can really pick up on the heart and soul that has gone into it. Their live shows also carry you into another world and I urge you to go see them in November. The songs will break your heart and make you want to dance. Some at once, others when you least expect it. It’s a gorgeous record, and a little tip: play ‘Hanging Rock’ as loud as you can, and close your eyes.
I can’t praise this record enough so you should probably just buy it yourself on Friday. My words mean nothing in comparison to how wonderful The Birthday Of The World is.
Review by Olivia Cellamare
facebook.com/HatchamSocial
Hatcham Social play the following UK dates in November:
24th November – Gulliver’s, Manchester
25th November – Hug & Pint, Glasgow
26th November – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
27th November – The Old Blue Last, London
Watch the video for current single ‘Find A Way To Let In Your Sins’: