Hannah Dorman – 222 (2022)
Hannah Dorman is firmly staking her claim to a blend of rock and commercial pop with her debut EP 222. Through the mixture of rock and pop elements, she encapsulates the sound she first introduced us to in ‘Fake Headache’. She is now taking this further as she taps into themes of self-love, empowerment, toxic relationships and being yourself.
With a title that draws on angel numbers, the EP offers a strong focal point that guides you to a better way of living, while pumping you full of Dorman’s infectious sound. Co-written with Ivon Roberts, she worked with Sam Ray in production. The trio met at a songwriting camp in Spain earlier this year and have been steadily making music together ever since.
The EP opens on an empowering note with the pop-rock anthem ‘Gasoline’. There is a sparkling light tone to the opening that has you bopping to the rhythm. Dorman’s vocals are delicate and bring a blast of pop to the single, before moving into a push of a chorus. There is a wonderful rock-pop vibe to this track that is rather addictive. It is a song that you can blast at top volume while driving and having a lot of fun listening to it. If you look deeper, the lyrics tell the story of a love that turns toxic, pushing you to the extremes of your tolerance. As the chorus hits, Dorman fills you with the empowerment to regain your power with a little bit of vandalism.
‘Gullible’ has a touch of innocence to the opening that leads you into the naivety that rests at the core of the lyrics. This innocent tone moves into a pushing retro pop-punk sound that makes you want to bounce off the walls. There is a lot of energy packed into this track that moves through your bones and makes them shake to the rhythm. Through the lyrics, Dorman dips into a relationship that is packed with manipulation as you are turned into the person someone else wants and not yourself. While there is a steady fall into this manipulation through the single, the climax of the song turns everything on its head. It is a wonderful swing that you aren’t really expecting that makes it even better and links into the overreaching messaging of the EP as a whole.
The rich opening of ‘No Boys Allowed’ enhances the depths of Dorman’s vocals that slide out of the richness with a silken slide. Her vocals are whiskey warm as they twirl around you like tendrils of heat delicately licking your skin. As you head into the chorus, her performance turns into a powerful stance that pumps empowerment into you. It is a really anthemic track that has you wanting to shout out with her on the chorus as you feel her strength flow into your spirit. Woven into this empowering flow is a reflection on society, toxic masculinity and equality. If you ever need a boost to your self-confidence, this is definitely the song to listen to because it will have you walking with your head up high. The shouting vocalisations push power into your chest, before Dorman’s vocals slide out with warmth into her strong call.
‘Perfect’ turns back to the pop-rock vibes of the opening tracks with its energetic, toe-tapping tone. There is a bright feeling to the track that has you bopping around and riding the flow of Dorman’s vocals. Continuing with the messaging of the EP, she lets you know that you are perfect as you are, even if you are a little too much for some people. This message is furthered by the celebration of what makes us all unique, while throwing away the harmful concept of what perfect is meant to be. The energetic bounce of her vocals slips into a smoother flow later in the track, before the energy is unleashed again. Everything in the track comes together for a perfect blast of pop-rock with a side of empowerment.
The EP comes to a close with ‘Fire’ which is all summer vibes. There is a touch of tropical dance in the opening that is quite different from the rest of the EP. Dorman’s vocals are also different on this track as she hits a dance vibe that is undeniably catchy. There is a flow to the music and vocals that sinks under your skin to fill you with a dancing energy. It is a really bright and light song that makes you think of warm days having fun. This is a little at odds with the lyrics at times as they touch on bad relationships before rising above.
Through the infectious energy that is infused into each track of 222, Hannah Dorman has you bouncing to her rhythm while riding the high of empowerment. Each track touches on a situation that threatens to pull you down, only to rise above and fill you with the strength to move on. It is a wonderfully motivating and empowering EP that leaves you feeling better about yourself by the end.
Find out more about Hannah Dorman on her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
