“Keep on Swimming,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Hachiku, aka Anika Ostendorf, is a refreshing blend of indie-rock and alt-pop that shimmers with a raw sense of place and purpose. Hachiku’s melodic depth unfolds through floating synths, delicate string arrangements, and a rhythm section that feels both steady and comforting as a musical current that gently pulls one in.
From her forthcoming album The Joys of Being Pure at Heart (out Feb 28), the song captures the push-pull of longing and belonging, all while Hachiku, known for her nimble approach to genre, uses layered instrumentation to bring warmth to the song’s themes. Her collaboration with harpist Mary Lattimore and The Newmarket Collective on violin and cello complements the texture. Each instrument feels thoughtfully placed, contributing a unique colour to a soundscape that is contemplative yet remarkably inviting.
The accompanying video, set against Berlin’s canals, reflects Hachiku’s connection to her German roots with scenes that blend modern city life with nostalgia, reinforcing the track’s theme of seeking solace and identity through both geography and memory. In a subtle twist, it uses swans as a visual metaphor for resilience, guiding Hachiku’s journey with grace and patience.
“Keep on Swimming” is an experience that invites one to reflect on their own connections to home and identity, all while bathing in a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. If you’re looking for music that’s as thoughtful as it is lush, Hachiku’s latest single is worth the dive in.
