It Happens – What Are You Hiding (2021)
Describing themselves on Spotify as “…the weird kids from high school”, It Happens formed in 2019 when Jimuel Dave Sanoy (lead vocals and guitar) and Faisal Romero Hussain (bass, guitar and piano) met up after graduating from high school. Add drummer Carl Hiramanek to the band and you have a grunge meets surf rock trio from Australia. Featured on numerous playlists across the globe, It Happens is gaining a loyal following on different continents. The latest addition to their repertoire is the single ‘It Happens’.
Following their debut single ‘Maria’, ‘What Are You Hiding’ is a fusion of Radiohead, Blur and Tame Impala. Recorded in the lads’ living rooms, it’s possible that they might have annoyed some neighbours with the noise; however, if I were a neighbour I would really appreciate the smooth, soothing arrangement. Giving off a groovy vibe, It Happens interject the sunniness of The Beatles in the laidback single. The odd thing is while the melody is toe-tapping and head-bopping, there is a more sinister theme in the lyricism. No, sinister isn’t the word…possibly confused enquiring where there’s a wondering of what the person’s hiding.
Touching on elements of confusion, anxiety and suspicion, ‘What Are You Hiding’ has a lingering sense of wonder in a haunting bubble of music. Sanoy’s melancholic vocals enhance the poignancy of the track in a rather tender way. A personal narrative, you feel the fear and pain in the harmony of instrumentation with dulcet tones. Intimate and intensity is definitely the name of the game here.
Alright, I might be a little biased when it comes to my opinion regarding ‘What Are You Hiding’. I am a fan of grunge music, so the hazy hushed-ness of It Happens is right up my alley. What I can say is that although I enjoy the track, it is its sophistication that astounds me. If this anthemic tune is anything to go by, I can’t wait for more from this Australian trio.
For more from It Happens check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
