Hanorah Delivers a Reawakening in Sound With Emotive EP 'Closer Than Hell'

Hanorah shot by Kenza Vanderbroeck

Closer Than Hell EP

LISTEN:

"Untitled (I Left My Body To Love You)"

WATCH:

“Her sound continues to evolve past her previous R&B and soul-leaning work… while she evokes the stylings of Etta James and Janis Joplin.”

Exclaim!

“While her earlier work showcased vocal acrobatics and sharper production, this latest material embraces restraint, revealing its strength through subtlety”

Montreal Rocks

May 9, 2025 – Today, Montreal singer-songwriter Hanorah shares her newest EP, Closer Than Hell, via Ensoul Records.

This latest project marks a shift in direction from her r&b and soul singing roots. Hanorah’s sound has acquired shoegaze nuances that introduce a distant, hazy warmth to the EP. Closer Than Hell offers moments of stripped down vulnerability, along with unfettered glimpses of an artist challenging herself and evolving.

The origin of Hanorah’s desire to explore new sonic directions is entwined with the pivotal changes she writes about in her songs. “Barbed Wire” uses stark poetic imagery to articulate the feeling of being trapped. “Heavenly One” holds a healing frequency. Both these songs deal with interpersonal relationships that have come to an end, but each song is unique in its emotional response.

“In my quest for musical belonging, I have been embraced by terms like soul, r&b, funk, and folk. In these songs, I wanted to incorporate some darker and more naive sonic flavors to support my storytelling”, Hanorah shares on the EP's inspiration. “I made this record with producer and multi-instrumentalist Max Frazer from Nanaimo, BC, who has incredible shoegazey sensibilities with a taste for Russian classical music, and we found our middle ground in these songs. We had references ranging from Alabama Shakes to Mazzy Star, Flaming Lips to Sufjan Stevens, Angel Olsen to Lauryn Hill. Lyrically, I found poetry that satisfied me, and courage to share stories I hadn't fully faced before (though I continue to be preoccupied by love). It was an experimental process and a bit of a departure from what I've put out in the past, but I hope listeners find the beauty in these songs that we found.”

"Untitled (I Left My Body To Love You)" performance video still

With the EP’s release, Hanorah shares the project’s focus track, “Untitled (I Left My Body To Love You). Hanorah shares, “I affectionately call this one a ‘mushroom song’ because it sprouted from a collection of other half-finished ideas that weren't quite working. Max holds higher songwriting standards than I do, whereas I often embrace the initial draft. He pushed for something more refined than what I initially brought. We spent a considerable amount of time on this track, even having some lyrical disagreements. The central challenge was capturing feelings of ambivalence and apprehension. However, the final result resonates with me deeply, much like all my favorite music. That quiet little bridge, featuring just guitar and vocals, encapsulates everything I aimed to express on this record.”

A live performance video for the focus track was filmed during the same session as her previous single “Heavenly One”. Hanorah evokes a feeling of reawakening that intensifies when she performs with her band. Considering it a surprise b-side, she celebrates the release of the EP and a return to the beautiful strangeness of love.

Hanorah’s artistic pursuit is guided by her honest voice. In all of her works there is a genuine quality in the way she sings. There is a trustworthy tone, an unfiltered emotion. Hanorah’s voice travels in a direct line from her heart to her audience.