From a fierce wall of nostalgic grunge distortion, to spacious and characterful, snappy and melodic vocal verses, After Halloween is quick to assert a sense of songwriting prowess and creative charm, with the uniquely lyrical and impactful alternative anthem of Please Don’t Shake My Hand.
Easily one of the most impressive rock songs to hit the realm in recent months, Please Don’t Shake My Hand feels stylistically influenced by the old school alt-rock and new-metal gems, but at the same time, After Halloween clearly master a sound of their own with both the writing and the voice.
The subject matter is superb, familiar but framed in a totally fresh and engaging way – the questioning, the uncertainty, the isolation, the angst. It’s a huge resolve, following a long-form pattern of exploration and freethought that captivates, and the music utilises contrast brilliantly to reinforce these qualities.
Even the middle 8 is simple but striking in affecting the overall dynamic of the song. Then there’s the subtle sweeping production, the confidently mellow groove, and the explosive distorted drop of the chorus.
I’m impressed, and quite addicted – something real, fearlessly contemplative, gritty and unexpected. Please Don’t Shake My Hand speaks volumes, and seems to access some new part of the modern psyche and experience that hasn’t quite been captured so smartly before.
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