Canberra rock heavyweights Hands Like Houses have announced the Lótus EP, set for release on Friday 22nd May via Civilians. The announcement arrives alongside their new single “DEAD“, a dysphoric offering that deepens the dark and moody world they’ve been building across recent releases.
Melancholic and compelling, “DEAD” is about admitting how often we manipulate ourselves just to get through the day. “We bend the truth, numb the doubt, and call it strength so we don’t have to face how empty things can feel,” shares the band.
“We build a life that looks held together, then act surprised when it still feels bare inside. The dread in this song isn’t dramatic, it’s familiar, routine, something we learn to live with. Saying out loud that everything is already hard enough, and pretending otherwise is part of what’s been breaking us.”
“DEAD” joins “Flowers” and “Warning Signs” on the Lótus EP track list, the latter featuring post-hardcore mainstays, Dream On Dreamer. Across the three tracks, Hands Like Houses lean into a darker and more reflective space, unpacking themes of emotional burnout, self-awareness and the delicate balancing act of maintaining mental wellbeing.
The announcement of the Lótus EP arrives in tandem with The Lótus Tour this April, which sees Hands Like Houses reunite with Dream On Dreamer for a national run of shows. Kicking off in Canberra at The Baso on Thursday 16 April, the tour will then roll through Manning Bar in Sydney, Princess Theatre in Brisbane, Kings Beach Tavern on the Sunshine Coast, 170 Russell in Melbourne, UniBar in Adelaide, and will conclude at Magnet House in Perth on Sunday 26 April.
In the spirit of community that has long defined their career, Hands Like Houses opened submissions for local Australian artists to join the tour. With lineups finalised in February, a new wave of rising talent is now locked in across each stop of the run. As tickets continue to move fast, the tour has shaping itself into a nationwide celebration of both established and emerging voices.
More than fifteen years into their career, Hands Like Houses continue to inject a fresh dose of modern stadium rock into Australia’s thriving alternative scene. With ARIA success, critical acclaim, sold-out tours, more than 280 million Spotify streams and a devoted global fanbase, the band have cemented their place as one of Australia’s most enduring and influential alternative acts.
“DEAD” is out now and streaming everywhere via Civilians. Tickets for The Lótus Tour are on sale via handslikehouses.live now.
