Honeyglaze’s debut album, ‘Real Deal’, isn’t just good – it’s genuinely captivating. This is an album that arrives fully formed, a confident statement from a band that clearly knows its own mind. From the moment you press play, you’re taken on a listening journey by a band that has no interest in being confined by genre definitions but is interested in being utterly authentic.
Shape-Shifters
This is a band unafraid to shapeshift. One minute you’re submerged in the hazy, dreamlike textures of shoegaze, the next you’re nodding along to the cool, understated beats of trip-hop. They seamlessly weave in spoken word passages and flirt with avant-garde sensibilities, all while maintaining a playful, almost conspiratorial wink at the listener. This isn’t experimentation for the sake of it; it feels purposeful, driven by a clear artistic vision. There’s a refreshing lack of pretension here, no “look how clever we are” moments, just a band exploring the vast landscape of sound with genuine curiosity.
Interestingly, ‘Real Deal’ evokes a similar feeling to my recent experience with The Darkness’s new offering. While poles apart sonically, both albums demand to be experienced as a complete entity. There’s a thread, a mood, a carefully constructed and interconnected vibe that unfolds best when you listen to it as a whole. Of course, each individual track on ‘Real Deal’ offers something compelling with a ton of re-playability. But to truly delve into the album’s thematic core – the exploration of identity, violence, self-doubt, and isolation, all delivered with a healthy dose of self-deprecating wit – you owe it to yourself to put this record on, turn it up loud, and listen from start to finish. Another added aspect is the singers deployment of spoken word, it feels like she’s speaking directly to you, (to your own worries and aspirations) making it a poignant and intimate experience.
The band’s individual talents are undeniable. The singer possesses a remarkable instrument, her voice capable of both soaring power and delicate fragility. What’s particularly striking is her subtle use of these considerable gifts. She uses those breathtaking high notes, punkish growls, and gentle whispers sparingly, moving from one to another with effortless flow, making their arrival all the more impactful and satisfying. It’s a masterclass in restraint.
The rhythm section is equally compelling. The bass is deliciously fuzzy and grunge-infused, providing a solid, grounding anchor for the band to build on. And then there’s the drummer – Joker’s Flight’s in-house drummer has spent many hours pouring over the different rhythms, styles and signatures, and he tells me, this guy is very good. Their complex patterns and unexpected jazz rhythms are never gratuitous; instead, they perfectly complement and lock into the other instruments, adding layers without ever feeling showy. This is a band where every element works in perfect synergy.
Choosing a standout track feels almost unfair, but for me, ‘Ghost‘ has lodged itself firmly in my consciousness. Its descending cadence, deceptively simple at first listen, possesses an insidious earworm quality. Beneath the surface catchiness lies a heartbreakingly beautiful song, full of understated emotion. The album as a whole evoked for me memories of Ok Computer era Radiohead and for some reason I kept thinking of Grace by Jeff Buckly, maybe because of its jazz sounds and sparse vocals soaked in reverb.
The lyrics also bring to mind bands like Elbow and Pulp with their ability to make the seemingly mundane uplifting and profound.
“I’m underneath the table
I’m the bedsheets on your back
I am in the front room where the DVDs are stacked
I am here and nowhere
I am always in between
I’m not being literal
But you know what I mean.”
Having been completely won over by ‘Real Deal’, we at Joker’s Flight HQ are now eagerly awaiting Honeyglaze’s touring dates. We can’t wait to see them live, to witness their undeniable chemistry and raw talent in person. Catch them while they’re on this upward trajectory, because mark my words, Honeyglaze are destined for massive things. Headlining Glastonbury in 2026 doesn’t seem far-fetched.
‘Real Deal’ isn’t just an album; it’s a statement of intent, and it’s one you absolutely need to hear.
Honeyglaze are:
- Anouska Sokolow (Vocals)
- Tim Curtis (Bass)
- Yuri Shibuichi (Drums)
The World Outside the Window 