Pay attention to the ticking electric guitar and drum rhythms which characterise Hannah Georgas’ new single ‘Dreams’, and you’ll hear the unmistakable influence of moody indie-rock behemoths like The National. The refrain “I only thought I could find you / in dreams I’ve had” echoes hauntingly through the track’s chorus and is so Matt Berninger that it’s no surprise Georgas has supported the vocalist’s group on tour. Indeed, her upcoming album All That Emotion, set for release on 4th September, has been produced with the help of Aaron Dessner, another of the band’s members.
Despite these obvious influences, Georgas’ music feels recognisably personal. Four years have passed since the Canadian’s previous album, and there’s certainly a sense that this has provided breathing space for some necessary introspection. With her new release, the Vancouver based singer-songwriter intends to “bring out the truth” in her voice. This is a trait typical of the third album, where an artist usually finally feels comfortable enough to breathe in their own skin.
It is no surprise then, that in ‘Dreams’ you’ll find a refreshingly deep indie love song, where once-limiting insecurities are confronted head on, rather than swept under the carpet. This union of self-awareness combined with the subject matter – falling head-over-heels in love – results in a potent indie-pop anthem not dissimilar to Wolf Alice’s ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’. There is a palpable sense that Georgas is finally ready to lift the veil. If ‘Dreams’ is anything to go by, then indie music lovers can look forward to finding out more about what lies underneath.
Words by Adam Goldsmith
@AdamGoldsmith38