Album Review: Hands Like Houses – A T M O S P H E R I C S (Civilians)

Having found their missing puzzle piece in the form of Josh Raven (also of The Faim), alt rockers Hands Like Houses will release their new album, ‘A T M O S P H E R IC S’, on February 14th, 2025, via Civilians. A a 16-track double album, made up of four Volumes: Tropo(sphere), Strato(sphere), Meso(sphere) and Thermo(sphere). Each volume allowed the band to build and shape themselves into a new version. The album also features a handful of collaborations with friends far and wide, including Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost), Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens), Matthew Wright (The Getaway Plan), Emmy Mack (RedHook), Normandie and Ben Woolner (Safia).

A name that should need no introduction, especially for those who pride themselves on being in tune with the alternative rock scene, Hands Like Houses’ are back with their most ambitious release yet. Clearly reinvigorated by vocalist Josh Raven (who fits like a silk glove), the band’s stadium style anthemic ways have reached an apex this time round that few will be able to match, let alone top.

Digging deeper than ever into what makes them tick, what drives their creativity, what makes them feel, and learning to fly again on their own terms refreshed and as an independent band, this entire album is a rare experience. Not just because it features 16-tracks and is a double album, but because it has so much alternative variety and feels like a truly collaborative effort. Not only does it hold the attention, but it actively makes you excited for what comes next.

Which is a whole lot of lovable alternative anthems. Ranging from thumping singalongs and booty shaking dance floor fillers, to melodramatic hits that touch the heart and soul, to harmonious highs and cushy lows, the album is filled with memorable moments. Some of which come with powerful guest artists adding their own exciting flavour to the Hands Like Houses pot.

One of the best guest spots comes on the track Better Before, which features Aaron Gillespie, and is one of the strongest examples of Hands Like Houses’ heavier side. The chorus is killer here. Then there is the delightful foot-tapper that is Hurts Like Hell, which features Normandie, and the riotously fun Obey, which features Kellin Quinn. Just a handful of excellent efforts that highlight the strength in Hands Like Houses’ collaborative mindset.

Not that they need guests for this album to be wholly memorable though. The likes of 24 Hours and its big chorus, Hollow and its dreamy melody, the dynamism of Wildfire, and Fatally Fractured’s overt dramatic sound are just some of the non-guest efforts that stick in the mind. For an album that is 16-tracks long, it is surprisingly varied.

That’s talent for you though, and Hands Like Houses are a very talented band. There’s a lot to get through, a lot to experience, but it is one that fans of top notch alternative rock will keep coming back to.

Hands Like Houses – A T M O S P H E R I C S Track Listing:

1. Heaven
2. Better Before (feat. Aaron Gillespie)
3. BLOODRUSH (feat. Emmy Mack)
4. Paradise (feat. Matthew Wright)
5. 24 Hours
6. Hollow
7. Panic
8. Wildfire
9. The Devil of Decisions
10. Hurts Like Hell (feat. Normandie)
11. Obey (feat. Kellin Quinn)
12. Chemicals
13. Fatally Fractured
14. ICU
15. Parasite
16. The End (feat. Ben Woolner)

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