Hiatus Kaiyote: Let the Band Get Strange
Hiatus Kaiyote built an imaginary supermarket around an album. We have questions about the loyalty program, but the creative ambition is immediately welcome.
The Melbourne band’s Love Heart Cheat Code arrived in June 2024 through Brainfeeder and Ninja Tune. Their account of its creation emphasizes time together: long jams, shared meals, equipment experiments and room for ideas to wander before becoming songs.
“Make Friends” gives that process a personal center. Nai Palm describes wanting to represent the different people she loves, including nonbinary friends, within the song. It is an accessible starting point for an album whose makers also talk about allowing greater simplicity when a song calls for it.
Follow it with “Everything’s Beautiful” and “Telescope,” then explore the complete eleven-track sequence. The band’s technical reputation is only one possible way into the work; the intentions behind a song offer another.
The visual project deserves attention, too. Rajni Perera’s painting became the album artwork, with Chloe Biocca and Grey Ghost developing associated illustrations and objects. Those ideas grew into the imagined store, with the band casting themselves as its workers.
Music, images, strange little products and four people making room for one another. We’re happy to browse. Someone point us toward the aisle with the songs.
Explore the official release and listening links.
Official release artwork. Cover painting: Rajni Perera; associated project illustrations: Chloe Biocca and Grey Ghost. Source: Brainfeeder / Ninja Tune. Artwork source.