Hen Hoose Collective - The Twelve 
Release Date: Out Now
Right, brief initiation for those who are new to Hen Hoose Collective. This is a collective of female and non-binary musicians from Scotland who create new music collaboratively and without any overarching theme or genre in mind. 'The Twelve' is the collective's new album which has nine tracks as the title number refers to the number of musicians involved rather than the songs. All caught up? Good, then let's dive into the music because I've been saving this particular treat for too long and the anticipation is killing me!
First up is former single 'Wipe Out' which still sounds as brilliantly lo-fi and perky like a mix of Bis and Brassy but if they'd been to some second hand instrument shops in Japan to find long list electronic gizmos. On 'Rich (Katy's In Space)' there some half rapped, half spoken vocals with a distinct Scottish accent but the song itself is an uplifting alt-pop banger that will have you strutting down the high street on a Saturday morning when the sun comes back. The thrum of the guitar on 'Out My Mind' builds a brilliant soul mood and the lead vocals plus harmonies only carries that vibe forward so that when the piano bass notes join in you're in full soul power mode.
Another former single, 'Sirens Call My Name', has a moody indie vibe but with a lightness of touch that gives glimmers of hope like a dry day after the storms, a chance to regather and rebuild. The mid-point of the album is represented by 'Promise', a delicate electro track with hints of Morcheeba and Sneaker Pimps, before the more direct 'Game For Two' hits you between the eyes with a stylish and seductive rhythm that was born in the darkest corners of the club. With another pivot, 'Ego Death' brings us a chugging, brooding indie rock number that emerges from the gloom into something that wouldn't be out of place on a Chrissie Hynde album.
Penultimate song 'In Control' is a certified, pulsating club banger that has a touch of Kylie to it but with some Self Esteem and Shampoo mixed for added spice. This brilliant album closes out on 'Blessings On The Day', a folkier number than the rest but with lusciously mournful vocal harmonies sent to soothe your soul it leaves you in a more peaceful place with the repeated refrain of "everybody does what they do, nobody is judging you". This is a brilliantly creative and enthralling album that I hope you'll give some time to. I started off regretting not knowing who was behind each track but I guess the point is that the sum is greater than the individual parts so all applause and credit to Hen Hoose Collective.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/hen_hoose/