We all have that moment — whether it be in a random dressing room at the mall or while shuffling through a friend’s Spotify playlist — when you stumble upon a new band and immediately know that you’ve found your latest obsession. You can never quite put your finger on what triggers this instantaneous liking, but there’s always something that immediately hooks you in. Whatever this something is for you, the band Her’s has it.
March 27 marks the one-year anniversary of the band’s sudden death in a car accident in Santa Ana, California. Putting a dreamy ’80s twist on indie rock, Her’s cultivated an utterly original sound, yet still manages to maintain the warm nostalgic sound of indie-pop predecessors like The Drums and Craft Spells. Yet, despite their sudden deaths, the Liverpool duo — Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading — left behind an ageless discography that is incredibly well-rounded, showing the cohesion and comprehension of identity that takes most bands multiple projects to achieve.
Fan favourites like “What Once Was” and “Cool With You” are some of the clearest demonstrations that Her’s was not your run-of-the-mill indie band. Fitzpatrick’s impressive vocal range, combined with dynamic riffs and infectious drums, makes for instantaneous hits. Slower tracks like “She Needs Him” and “Under Wraps” showcase their ability to tap into the nostalgic escapism of subgenres like shoegaze and dream pop, but whatever type of music you’re into, their ability to dip their toes into a variety of genres means they have something for all listeners.
However, if being incredibly talented was not enough, they were also some of the nicest guys in the industry. Having had the pleasure of seeing them perform here in Toronto last year, it was clear to see how genuinely passionate they were about their music and fans.
Given their passing, listening to their music can at times feel bittersweet, but at the same time, it’s those dreamy riffs, catchy hooks, and entrancing drums which are able to ward off some of the bitterness. So, if you’re looking to pick up some additions to your summer soundtrack while also supporting the legacy of an amazing band, consider checking out Her’s today.
