Having forged a path of sobriety, the husband-and-wife duo of Victoria Bourne and Chris Harper known as Hangover Square, could be considered as no longer living up to half their moniker, but their soul stirring music does leave a hangover on the heart and soul in the best way possible.
With their sophomore album, Rewire, the duo’s experiences of sobriety, loss, and healing show not only their resilience but their growth in sound. Or perhaps a return to the sounds that helped lay down their foundation. The duo returned to their roots of electronica and acoustic music and Rewire beautifully showcases their Americana blueseque sound with a dash of electronica thrown in for good measure.
Hangover Square says this of the album,
“We’re doing what we love best, creating sad, romantic, cinematic music.”
Two years in the making, Rewire is rich in sound and emotion. At times it sounds as if there is a forty-piece orchestral ensemble and others just two souls fighting for survival. Each track is meticulously crafted and whether it be layers of sound or vocals, they’re an experience into the ever evolving door of emotion.
Not one to put a bandage over a broken heart, Hangover Square’s music is like laser surgery on the hurt and the ache while simultaneously inspiring hope deep within. Songs like “Softest of Silks” and “Hold My Hand” capture tenderness and intimacy while tracks such as “Thursday Redemption” and “Grandcamp Maisy” offer a healing that only melancholy music can induce.
Rewire is a celebration of artistic creativity and life. The intricate details and the emotional weight of the lyrics that reflect on sobriety, suicide, depression, and the power of hope and love was therapy for Hangover Square but is now also therapy for anyone who listens.
