Korean-New Zealander Hanbee released a new EP, Closer to Closure. The themes are love and heartbreak.
The music is Indie Pop. The EP features incredible sounds and rhythms. The composition for each song is phenomenal, beautifully blending musical styles.
Some songs have a semi-fast rhythm that creates a bold dynamic. The tune One has a fantastic semi-fast beat. It partially parallels Shania Twain’s 90s single When, but with a disco/techno beat. It’s immersive, as if it represents the feeling of someone lost in the memories of a past relationship. Beep Beep has a catchy sound. It parallels Paula Abdul’s 1980s single Stand Up. It also reminds me of the early hits from the Spice Girls. The piece Messy is a fantastic semi-fast song with impressive contemporary beats that capture the complexity of love. The composition is incredible.
The EP also features heartfelt ballads. The tune Your Eyes is a lovely ballad with a smooth, wavy rhythm. It’s relaxing and comforting. It parallels David Bowie’s single As the World Falls Down from the Labyrinth soundtrack. The subtle background drums add a nice touch. Dreamcatcher is another beautiful ballad with calming music. It parallels David Bowie’s ’80s single “Underground” (with a slower tempo) and Classic French songs from the ’70s (i.e., Sylvie Vartan).
The music on this EP is rich. The compositions have a lovely finesse.
Hanbee’s voice is soft and soulful. She sings with grace. She performs each song with thought and precision. Hanbee has a bold way to convey her emotions.
The lyrics are profound and express emotions, brilliantly using simplistic writing.
The record opens and closes with the theme of heartbreak and grief. The first song, “One,” explores heartbreak and the struggle to move on—a relatable subject. It also discusses a common challenge during a breakup: nostalgia, remembering the good times while forgetting why it ended. There’s the relatable detail of wanting to get back together with the ex. Messy is another song that explores nostalgia following heartbreak and the denial stage of grief. The emotional depth of this piece is incredible. It’s a well-written song about the challenges of letting go and moving on with life. The vulnerability in both songs is genuine and heartfelt.
The EP also features a couple of sweet love songs. Beep Beep is a cute song about falling in love. The repetition adds a whimsical touch. It’s a reminder of the importance of waiting rather than rushing into a relationship. The tune Your Eyes is another lovely romantic song that inspires hope in finding true love and passion. There’s a sense of ease. It also describes the excitement of a new love—the honeymoon phase. It’s heartfelt and sweet. It inspires people not to give up. Dreamcatcher is a child-like romantic song about being crazy in love.
The lyrics are heartfelt, expressing classic topics of love and heartbreak.
The EP Closer to Closure is available.
