New Zealand heavy outfit Haast Hunter are preparing to unleash their highly anticipated debut album, Plastique, on Thursday, 27th August, and today we’re thrilled to give you an exclusive early listen to the record, alongside a track-by-track guide from vocalists Sinaea Elizabeth and Jimi Harper.
The debut marks a significant new chapter for the ferocious quartet, introducing Sinaea Elizabeth alongside founding member James Harper on vocals and guitar, Chris Gudsell on bass and Mitch Walker on drums.
Produced by renowned producer Scott Seabright, Plastique finds Elizabeth and Harper creating an imposing vocal dynamic, shifting between vulnerability and aggression against a backdrop of visceral riffs, cinematic production, ambient electronics, soaring melodies and crushing breakdowns.
Plastique is more than a collection of heavy songs. Across the record, Haast Hunter explores themes including mental health, addiction, grief, identity and hope. At the same time, the album’s title track considers the loss of authenticity in a culture increasingly consumed by image, conformity and artificial perfection.
A compelling tension sits at the heart of Plastique, where moments of vulnerability and introspection are repeatedly pushed up against something heavier, darker, and more confrontational. It’s a tantalising combination indeed. This is an album with ambitious goals, and Haast Hunter has met them in style.
The release also arrives alongside a new music video for “Chrysalis”, directed by Colin Jeffs of Ten of Swords.
Ahead of the album’s release tomorrow, we’re delighted to premiere Plastique in full below. Sinaea Elizabeth and Jimi Harper have also taken us inside each of its ten tracks. Do press <PLAY> and read-on.
Haast Hunter – Plastique – Track by Track
“PLASTIQUE” (Jimi)
About the loss of authentic identity in a world obsessed with image, conformity, and artificial perfection. It explores the emotional cost of wearing a manufactured version of yourself to survive, whilst questioning whether anything genuine remains beneath the surface.
“SOUL(e)SCAPE” (Jimi)
Explores the internal battle between pain and self preservation. It’s about reaching the breaking point-feeling trapped by your own mind. Chasing temporary escapes, confronting demons that slowly erode your identity.
“REFLECTIONS” (Sinaea)
Reflection is the sound of that soul connection I’ve known exists somewhere in the ether my entire life. I’m asking for more than a dream. It’s the moment I can’t wait any longer. Could we realign? I think it’s time
“CHRYSALIS” (Jimi/Sinaea)
A song of rebirth and the journey to get there. The struggles one may encounter to get to that point contrast with the freedom that comes from finally being free and emerging into a new world.
“DEAD MOON” (Sinaea)
My intention with this song is to give you a glimpse into my dreams. Into the night world that keeps me captive for a time, what sometimes feels like forever. The nightmares that cycle on and on and the figure behind it that holds me there.
“THEN WHY” (Jimi)
Is about questioning the choices, beliefs and relationships that shaped who you became. Feeling alone in a world where people follow a particular narrative. One that I don’t want to conform to, but yet they don’t understand me. And I don’t understand them.
“WORLD I KNEW” (Sinaea)
The second part to “Dead Moon”. When my minds losing grip of what’s real and what’s not. A dark energy that looms over my being. Like a fist in the dirt, I’m holding on like I could fall from earth.
“LOST NOW FOUND” (Jimi)
A love song, written for those lost and in search of something special. To give them hope that it is out there and can be found.
“BLEED AND RELEASE” (Sinaea)
A dark, vulnerable, retrospective song which touches on intense trauma and the result of those coping mechanisms that have been adopted over time. The roll they have played shaping me into the person I am now.
“CURTAIN FALL” (Sinaea)
The nucleus of this song was formed during navigating relationships where I felt unheard and overpowered. This track is my way of taking power back.
Plastique is released Thursday, 27th August.
You can give Haast Hunter a follow on Instagram and Spotify
Image supplied
