Shaky Hands
Cut Off Your Hands
Speak'n'Spell/Universal


Shake hands with New Zealand's new kids on the block (NZKOTB?), Shaky Hands. The four-piece have produced a debut EP that instantly pulls you under with fast-paced opener You And I. Sure, it's not quite a death roll of musical genius after that, but it had its jaws firmly clamped shut around my musical tastes the minute I heard its hand-claps, 'uh-ohs' and catchy hooks. It will be lucky not to get flogged on Triple J and indie dance floors alike, but when it does, I'll be the one clapping.

The 'uh-ohs' keep coming on Expectations but are mixed with 'oh-uhs' (again, it's not vying for lyrical brilliance here). Takes Slowly Over draws you into its almost snake-charming guitar and hip-driving bass. The echo effect on Nick Johnston's vocals on Let Go triggers links to the wail of Pharaohs' Dan Crannitch and the similarities between 'Cut Off Your Hands' and 'Forest For The Trees' don't end there. As debut indie EPs, they both have a raw enthusiasm and immediacy to them with plenty of yowling vocals atop snappy guitar and fast drums. Philip Hadfield's bass lines, however, aren't as deep and grinding as Joel Amos', instead they take on a more ticklish sound reminiscent of, say, Whirlwind Heat (listen to Takes Slowly Over), but are not as prominent.

Thoroughly danceable but not revolutionary, Shaky Hands will do well to hold their own in this latest spate of indie dance-rock acts and it will be interesting to see how long the trend lasts and whether their upcoming album will provide a more diverse approach whilst maintaining the consistent excitement of this EP. Until then, take Tell Me About's advice and shake it!

Cassie Hilditch