Let Second Hand Heart Sing You a Ghost Story with ‘damnesia’ [stream]

Second Hand Heart – Damnesia SoundCloud

Talk of shadows and insomnia is echoed in the sound of Second Hand Heart’s “Damnesia”, so it catches us a bit off guard when they break into angelic harmony just after the minute mark, sounding as if they’re trying to lighten the mood but are simply too fatigued from wrestling with the night. If you’ve ever battled insomnia, you know that this is what it sounds like when you reach your breaking point — the point where your brain begins conjuring ghosts, toying with shadows and driving you to near insanity. The frustration/exhaustion is palpable in the way she sings “It’s so late/I’m still awake.” Hazy and moody, “Damnesia” showcases the Melbourne-based quintet’s ability to craft an eerie atmosphere and hold us there with compelling melody, qualities that align with their “Warpaint-meets-Alpine” description. Setting the scene with murky reverb, plodding pianos and airy vocals, “Damnesia” transports us into a headspace that both chills and intrigues. The song is taken from Second Hand Heart’s 10-track debut, Tides, which you can snatch up here. Listen to their beautiful take on being haunted with “Damnesia” above.