Formerly a hired hand for The War On Drugs, Weyes Blood and Kevin Morby’s backing band over the years, guitarist Meg Duffy has carved out an impressive solo career on the side under the moniker Hand Habits. ‘Fun House’, released via Saddle Creek, is their third such album, produced by Meg’s housemate Sasami Ashworth and displaying a much bolder and more diverse set of influences than its two predecessors.
There is a moment halfway through Hand Habits’ Fun House at which musician Meg Duffy asks the question, “How many times must I rewind the tape? “It’s a fitting question planted squarely in the middle of a sonically adventurous record concerned largely with making sense and taking stock. How much time must we spend examining our own past in order to fully understand it? How can we safely acknowledge pain in order to release it and fully actualize who we are supposed to be? Buffeted by strings, synths, and a gently-shook tambourine, the aptly-titled track, “The Answer,” highlights the emotional engine at the heart of the record. “I know the answer, “Duffy sings, “Here’s what I hope to find – it’s always mine.”
My personal favourite track on Fun House, “No Difference”. With this song, I was trying to capture the cyclical essence of projection and how it can really block authentic connection. (….I think? Songs seem to change and develop lives of their own with time…my wish is that you project your own life experience onto the song and make it your own)This video is close to my heart, as the guy on the motorcycle happens to be my father, Dan Duffy. Everything just worked out that day. It was 4th of July, and Dad suggested going to his ‘spiritual place’ that has a panoramic view of the Mohawk valley. Filming the bike scenes was the first time I got on the back of the bike with him, and when I first saw this footage that V and Adam captured I was speechless. It feels close to countless dreams I’ve had; aimlessly walking around but with a distinct yet intangible purpose, my dad is there,
Meg Duffy released “Fun House“,her third album as Hand Habits, today. Working with their roommates SASAMI (who produced) and Kyle “King Tuff” Thomas (who engineered), it’s a big step forward for Duffy, a wonderful, harmony-laden pop album that still has the yearning spirit of Hand Habits‘ first two records.
The inspirations behind “Fun House” and and they gave us a list that includes some clear sonic inspiration like Fleetwood Mac, as well as collaborators Perfume Genius (who appears on the album) and Christian Lee Hutson, films, poets, books and more. Meg’s commentary is as thoughtful as their songs and it’s a great read.
released October 22nd on Saddle Creek Records
The Fat Angel Sings 