ALBUM REVIEW: House Without A View – Lande Hekt
If you think you know LANDE HEKT from her band MUNCIE GIRLS, you’d be wrong. This is her solo album, and it’s a far cry from the punk, political and satirical releases she’s known for. House Without A View, her second solo release, explores more tender, personal themes, and the change in pace reflects this. While it caters to a different audience, Hekt‘s solo project completely holds its own musically, and her lyricism and vocals are as amazing as ever. This record explores topics of sexuality, mental health and growing up, and it’s an emotional roller-coaster.
The album opens with Half With You, an atmospheric, calm track which acts as a beautiful introduction. Straight off the bat it is deeply personal, promising listeners that nothing will be held back. The track does feel slightly restrained, but that’s to be expected from an opener. The highlight of the next track, Backstreet Snow, is its lyricism. Hekt uses metaphors and imagery to discuss painful topics, making the song easier to relate to, and the upbeat, cheery instrumentals offer glimmers of hope throughout. Cut My Hair details finding and accepting yourself. The lyrics are simple, but they perfectly encapsulate the emotions of self-discovery. The outro is just instrumental, which feeds into the simplicity of the song, allowing listeners to savour it.
Gay Space Cadets was the first single, and rightly so. The chorus is fantastical and hopeful, and this is showcased by the way the instruments build, making it one of the more chaotic songs. The second verse is more realistic and painful, creating a balance throughout the track. The next track, Always Hurt, is more stripped back, and Hekt’s lower, hushed vocals create a raw energy. The track feels like a painful conversation between Hekt and the listener and the acoustic guitar feels extremely personal. House Without A View, despite being the title track, is perhaps the least memorable and musically it’s fairly similar to a lot of the other songs. Ground Shaking, on the other hand, really stands out. This track seems to fit more into the folk punk category, and its driving beat gives it an intensity which carries it through. This song is possibly the most experimental in terms of instruments, although the lyrics are somewhat repetitive.
What Could I Sell is a change of tone, feeling more positive and refreshing. It manages to capture the yearning of a crush, which is both simplistic and heart-warming. Take A Break seems to be the most personal song, and the blunt lyrics feel as if Hekt is speaking directly to you. They are both reassuring and emotional, and this is definitely a track which tugs on the heartstrings of its listener. The chorus showcases Hekt’s vocal abilities and the range in her voice, making this song a solid favourite. The album closes with First Girlfriend, another example of a calm, upbeat song with emotional lyrics. The track is short and sweet, making it a satisfying, albeit slightly abrupt ending. Generally, it makes sense to end the album with a bittersweet song about queer relationships, and it’s likely it will resonate with Hekt’s fans.
The focal point of House Without A View is its lyrics and the stories they tell throughout, proving that LANDE HEKT is a poet before anything else. Her vocals are beautiful, and although she somewhat relies on keeping the same tempo and energy, this album is a must-listen. Hekt proves consistently that on her solo album, she isn’t afraid to be painfully honest, which is something to be grateful for. This is the work of an artist who is not to be underestimated.
Rating: 8/10
House Without A View is set for release on September 23rd via Get Better Records.
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