These Hands

Saskatchewan’s hidden gem Michael Hanson, a.k.a. These Hands, has created another intimate and beautiful album. If you are not familiar with Hanson’s previous releases, The Golden Touch will serve as a wonderful introduction (as it did for me). It incorporates elements of folk, classical, indie rock and, at times, veers towards the experimental. The music is delightfully fresh and upbeat, and yet comforting as well.

In the style of other young sensitive fellows such as Sufjan Stevens and Final Fantasy, Hanson plays several instruments and creates the bulk of the album’s music. He is, however, accompanied by other musicians on the album, who compliment his unique sound. Despite their appearance, the album is wonderfully intimate. This original and complex album is equally exciting and haunting. It is sure to linger with you for days.

4/5
Adele Brunnhofer - FFWD Weekly (Calgary)

Never having been anywhere near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (or anywhere else in the province, for that matter), I can't talk about the strength of that city's music scene. Despite that, however, I have one piece of advice for Michael Hanson, the frontman and principal member of These Hands: get off the Prairies, and move to Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver. Your career will be the better for it.

Of course, judging by The Golden Touch EP, the wider audience Hanson could reach with such a move would have no reason to complain, either. Songs like "We Rust" (currently streaming on These Hands' Myspace, along with "Golden Town"), "Selfish Acts of the Average" and "Not Awake When I Am" suggest that, if he lived in a major metropolis, Hanson would be known as one of the country's best acts.

They also show that he's great at not falling into a rut. While the first few songs on the EP sound like the kind of thing you'd expect from Belle & Sebastien or Nick Drake, as the album progresses Hanson begins to branch out a little. Both "Selfish Acts of the Average" and "Thanks for the Shivers", for example, are much more dissonant, sounding kind of like Bell Orchestre with vocals, while "Not Awake When I Am" has the same joyfully upbeat/chaotic vibe that Broken Social Scene pulls off so well. - www.iheartmusic.net