- Hanny J is a name and face familiar to many in the Brisbane punk scene. As a solo artist, but also as frontwoman for bands like powerpoppers Main St Brats, hardcore band Midwife Crisis, and short-lived but much loved pop-punk act Goosebumps.
In fact, somewhat confusingly, many people in Brisbane would already have a solo acoustic EP titled Possessions, which was released in 2014 and shares one overlapping track with this release. This version of Possessions certainly has a bit of Brisbane stamped upon it - the opening song Brother mentions running back to Cornwall St among other Brisbane references. But these days Hanny J is residing in Melbourne, playing bass in very popular punk band Clowns, and releasing a brand new solo EP with five well produced, full band recordings.
The definite highlight is Trying To Get By. It sounds almost classic rock with its lead guitar lines, harmonies and catchy melody; but it's a song most definitely about being in the punk scene, covering a topic that has been a struggle for punks since Jim Carroll sang about all the people who died - "trying to get by knowing the people who make you want to live want to die." It's a powerful and moving song, one that deserves to become a kind of standard.
It's followed by Draw The Line, with a beautiful combination of high guitar chords and what sounds like a bowed double bass. It's an example of what the full band adds to these acoustic songs, and another honest lyric about internal struggles after a breakup.
Overall, Possessions is endearingly sincere, in lyrical content and performance.When Hanny's voice strains in the first verse of Days Felt Like Years, it is just a moment that suits the record perfectly. This is not a record made to try to break new ground or look cool. It's an expression of love for punk and classic rock, love of friends and life's ups and downs. It is full of whoa-oh harmonies, big choruses and a big heart unashamedly on display.
- Andy Paine.