Hank announce debut album Hero Weak Thing with explosive new single ‘Tell The Leaves Not To Turn’

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The London four-piece channel the desperation of watching life change on a nine-track debut, arriving 27 November via Star Sign.

London’s Hank are ready to make their next move. The rising four-piece have announced their debut album, Hero Weak Thing, due 27 November via Star Sign, alongside new single ‘Tell The Leaves Not To Turn’ — a sample-heavy, emotionally charged cut about the impossibility of holding on to things that are already changing.

Named after a Madonna lyric, the track marks one of the first times all three of the band’s vocalists come together, amplifying its sense of collective desperation. As bandleader Lola Stephen explains, the song explores “the resistance to the inevitability of life changing”, particularly in relationships. It’s a feeling that runs through much of Hank’s songwriting, delivered here with the rawness, dissonance and soaring guitars that have become their calling card.

Across nine tracks, Hero Weak Thing promises to capture the full force of a band whose appeal lies in the tension

between melodic instinct and beautifully unruly noise. Drawing on influences including The Breeders, Elliott Smith and The Swirlies, Hank have spent the summer writing and recording at South East London’s Teeth Studios with longtime collaborator and producer Jamie Neville, known for his work with Mark William Lewis and PVA. Mastered by Kevin Vanbergen (Pixies, Lush), the record distils the energy of their live shows without sanding down the rough edges.

It’s been a particularly busy year for the group, who made their Primavera Sound debut, played three sold-out London headline shows and shared stages with Sorry, Pollyfromthedirt and green star. Alongside their own releases, their fiercely DIY approach has helped them build a devoted following through two EPs, Twist Grip and Spiralic, and the sold-out vinyl release Hank is a Band.

Beyond the studio, the band have also been part of the expanding world of Byrne’s Night, a raucous celebration bringing together the music of Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and the poetry and traditions of Robert Burns. The event has grown from a local gathering into a national affair, with dates across Glasgow, Manchester and London, as well as festival appearances at Latitude and All Together Now.

With Hero Weak Thing, Hank look set to turn that restless momentum into their most fully realised statement yet. ‘Tell The Leaves Not To Turn’ offers a first glimpse: a song about the futility of resisting change, delivered by a band who sound increasingly comfortable embracing the chaos.

Hero Weak Thing is released 27 November via Star Sign.

Listen: ‘Tell The Leaves Not To Turn’

Watch: Official music video

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