In 2019, Ha the Unclear’s two original albums mysteriously disappeared from the interwebs, around the time that they signed to French label Think Zik!. These early releases were then replaced by the brand new 2020 EP ‘Threads’, produced by Sylvia Massy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Tom Healy (Die!Die!Die!, Tiny Ruins, Marlon Williams).
The band furthered their growing French connection by performing in Paris at the MaMA Festival in 2019 before their continental dreams were then put on hold as the pandemic arrived just a few months later.
Now, two years on, with the borders open and their schedule rejigged, ‘Mannequins’, the first single off their upcoming EP, has finally arrived.
‘Mannequins’ is a surreal, psychedelic and captivating pop tune that could only come from the acclaimed Antipodean alt pop act that is Ha the Unclear. Lead songwriter and singer Michael Cathro takes us on a story of his complicated relationship with the mannequins that he used to pass in the storefronts on his walk home from work. "I was working nights at a bar in Ireland and had to walk home alone first thing through an empty shopping mall. I was in such a delirious haze from staying up all night working, that the mannequins in the windows were yelling their backstories at me"
To celebrate the release of the song, Ha the Unclear have unveiled a brand new live video for the track, performed in Paris, which can be viewed here
Originating in the gothic harbour town of Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ha the Unclear then all moved to Auckland where they went from being a bedroom based routine into the highly popular real life four-piece ensemble that they are today. Ha the Unclear’s knack for creating thoughtful, mind-bending stories have seen them gather acclaim from everyone from the BBC to Entertainment Weekly. Their lyrical stories include a love story from the perspective of a coffee table, astronauts trapped in orbit, and a break-up via an intercom. The band has compacted these wonderful thought nuggets into energetic, quirky pop songs and a spirited live show which has seen them tour with Courtney Barnett, support The Shins, Dandy Warhols, and others, and perform at all number of festivals; Rhythm & Vines, CubaDupa, Nostalgia Festival, Cross St Festival, Newton Festival and more.
You can find Ha the Unclear online
www.instagram.com/hatheunclear/