Single Review: Humans of Hanrahan

Keeltys, a new five piece indie/garage rock band recently formed in Christchurch.

The band members are all studying music in some way; front man Samuel Keelty is in his second year at ARA, Ben Townshend is also in his second year at ARA, Liam Makinson is in his second year studying jazz guitar, Ben Henderson is also in his second year studying bass, and Josh Derwahl is in his first year studying the noble art of jazz drumming.

Their first single, Humans of Hanrahan is a medium to quick tempo playful number which lyrically can come across as a cautionary tale regarding drug use and drinking alcohol.

The band released the song on Spotify, and as a single with a lyric video on YouTube. The latter proves helpful as at around the two minute mark the guitarist who the camera follows throughout the video appears under a Hanrahan Street, street sign. One can surmise the Humans of Hanrahan are people who live on Hanrahan Street and consume recreational, but not legal, substances.

The band members’ early musical study is evident as there are some nicely written and played parts to the song.

Sam Keelty’s voice reminds me of a young David or Hamish Kilgour The Clean – not a hundred percent in tune, but it tells the story of the song well.

I can imagine Keeltys would be a good band to see live, and the single Humans of Hanrahan is a great introduction to them.