Hachiku - I'll Probably Be Asleep album review

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"There’s a gorgeous undercurrent of ethereality that ripples through this endearing and dynamic debut."

Hachiku
(Image credit: Supplied)

HACHIKU
I'll Probably Be Asleep
MILK! / REMOTE CONTROL

There’s a gorgeous undercurrent of ethereality that ripples through Hachiku’s endearing and dynamic (if a tad on the short side) debut. But it’s crucial, here, not to mistake delicateness for simplicity: the soundscapes on display swell and soar with mountainous highs and harrowing lows – the focal point is always Anika Ostendorf’s honeyed and heartfelt vocal melodies, but peer beyond and you’ll see a forest of bustling musical foliage. 

Guitars simmer along with a warbly psych-rock warmth that beautifully accompanies the bright, glittery keys in the foreground; they’re understated, but play their role perfectly. The chemistry can feel a bit kitschy at times, but that’s part of the charm to Hachiku’s vibe: it’s supposed to be a little jagged around the edges, like a diamond necklace with a rusted chain. 

Ellie Robinson
Ellie Robinson
Editor-at-Large, Australian Guitar Magazine

Ellie Robinson is an Australian writer, editor and dog enthusiast with a keen ear for pop-rock and a keen tongue for actual Pop Rocks. Her bylines include music rag staples like NME, BLUNT, Mixdown and, of course, Australian Guitar (where she also serves as Editor-at-Large), but also less expected fare like TV Soap and Snowboarding Australia. Her go-to guitar is a Fender Player Tele, which, controversially, she only picked up after she'd joined the team at Australian Guitar. Before then, Ellie was a keyboardist – thankfully, the AG crew helped her see the light…