Himalayas Have Outdone Themselves: ‘Hung Up’ Review

Words: Ruby Corrigan

While 2024 has been a busy year of gigging for the Welsh outfit Himalayas, including a headline tour along with supporting the massive Foo Fighters at Principality Stadium Cardiff, their successful achievements in live performances has not slowed down the band’s dedication to creating new music, as they have just dropped their latest single ‘Hung Up’, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Maybe I am a pessimist, but after they released their infectious single V.O.V earlier this year, which undoubtedly rocked the British music scene, I was slightly nervous to hear the new tune, as I couldn’t see how they could outdo themselves. However, as I usually am, I was (thankfully) proven wrong.

In true Himalayas fashion, ‘hung up’ opens explosively, with a smashing of drums (Goulbourn) and an anthemic guitar riff (Griffiths), underscored by a spine-tingling bassline (Heaps) – all of which set the tone for a tune that’s just made to be performed in a sold-out stadium. The song continues and just doesn’t slow down. Not only is it fast paced, but the melody is addictive, honestly listening to it feels like being electrocuted – the rhythm shocking your body and seeping in under your skin, making it absolutely unforgettable. Yet, while the main melody was electrifying, vocally, ‘Hung Up’ is extremely grounded. Rather than trying to compete with the highly energetic instrumentals, Frontman Mike Griffiths instead took a far more stripped back approach. Now don’t get me wrong, not for one second was Griffiths slacking in comparison to the rest of the band, instead, he masterfully used his lower register, making the song a dynamic, sensual, and atmospheric listen.  

What is purely incredible about this band is that nothing feels forced, every element of their band just works so seamlessly together– it’s clear that they have worked extremely hard to hone their craft as well as their teamwork in order to get to a point where their music just sounds so effortlessly cool. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again Himalayas are a band to watch and, with their impending success from their support slot with the Foo Fighters, it seems like all their hard work is really paying off.

Stream ‘Hung Up’ below!