Following on from 2021’s “Persona Normal”, Hanging Freud return to the fray with their unique blend of darkwave and downbeat pop in the guise of “Worship.”

Recorded in their bedroom, their seventh studio album blends their previous releases insofar that it nods to the likes of Athamay, Faithful Dawn, and the stripped back offerings of Ultravox, circa Vienna. 

To be honest, my first playthrough left me unimpressed. 

The majority of songs are all hovering around the 90-110 bpm and there is little to distinguish them. Given how well the likes of “Nowhere” moved through the gears, “Worship” is a definite step backward.

Image Credit: Hanging Freud/Bandcamp

However, this album is worth another listen. Slow burn tracks like “A Hand To Hold The Gun” and “Falling Tooth” are going to be played after a club night out, and “Beyond” does more than nod to the synth sounds of Vangelis’ “Bladerunner” OST.

Indeed, the album closer, “Don’t Save Yourself For Him” could easily be played at the end of an evening in a sweat stained neon lit bar. 

Whilst far from an instant classic, there is much to like here, and it is with multiple listenings that we appreciate the dynamic in the relationships that are laid bare.

What the album lacks is a song to make you move.

Image Credit: Hanging Freud/Bandcamp

Previous recording such as “I Know” would have filled a dry ice drenched dancefloor, whereas “Worship” seldom makes it out of second gear.

Whilst far being the only band guilty of navel gazing, there is a lot of potential in this album. It just never quite makes it into breakout territory.

Featured Image Credit: Hanging Freud/Bandcamp