London based five-piece HMLTD release their long-awaited debut album, “West of Eden”. The expansive, labyrinthine debut has been several years in the making, a daring collection of songs created to incite conversation about proposed new visions of masculinity, the decadence of western capitalism and the violence of insecurity and repression. Across its 15 tracks, the band’s artistic vision is realised in full technicolour, with all shades of their sonic palette used to create an album that is equal parts lush and abrasive.
HMLTD formed back in 2015, but they only hit our radar screens when we saw them at a festival the previous year year. And now, they’ve engrained themselves in our psyches. Formerly known as Happy Meal Ltd, the London-based sextet are charting a new course for glam rock and punk with their extremely outlandish live performances. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re watching the cast of a musical as lead vocalist Henry Spychalski dances his way around stage through their sets. There is almost certainly no other performer or performers around like HMLTD.
They’re going to be a big love or hate band, but that’s probably what the band will be trying to draw out of those watching. The music is like a mix of Bowie and Adam Ant, with real cool ’80s vibes in songs like “Proxy Love”. The experimental band were picked up by Sony Records in 2017, so expect to hear a lot more from HMLTD over the next few years, whether it’s love for their sound or dislike for their bizarre style. Either way, they’ll be great to get a reaction.
HMTLD are Henry Spychalski (vocals), James (guitar), Duke (guitar), Nico (bass), Zac (keys), and Achilleas (drums).
Arguably the most stylish new band doing the rounds at the minute, but have they got the substance to match? Find out for yourselves as their collision of new romanticism, punk, funk and all things in between looks set to bring Friday’s fringe event to a chaotic close.
No band in the UK is talked about as much as HMLTD. Live, they’re like a potent mix of The Cure, Jesus and Mary Chain and The Prodigy and with Faris Badwan having been in the studio with them recently it wil be exciting to see what comes out next year. 2017 is theirs for the taking
West of Eden, due for release on 7th February 2020.
The Fat Angel Sings 