Album Review: Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light

“No surprises here.” Normally that’s a searing indictment, the tale of a musician driven by inspiration, perspiration, occasional hesitation and perhaps a little medication who has failed to surprise us. The opposite is true for Hermitude. The fact that they’ve emerged with another multi-headed, dancefloor-destroying monster is utterly, gloriously, unsurprising.

Album opener, Hijinx is a triumph of pacing and drama - euphoric squeals, buzzy bass and Dirty South circa-2000 chanting. It begins as a tour de force, then morphs into a reflective tick tock mini-song, before returning bigger and badder than ever. The Wiktionary defines hijinx as “tricky… behaviour.” This is the equivalent of Batman emptying his entire utility belt. Ukiyo is less piercing but equally groovy. Bermuda Bay and the aptly named Hazy Love provide a little respite for our dancing shoes, a little like finding a nice quiet spot to chat at the house party. Metropolis is the theme song to a Sega Megadrive game we wish we could play. Accessible, engaging Searchlight is brought back to close the album. End to end this is a compelling experience, one not to be missed lightly.

When we discuss Sydney talent and locals we can be proud of, Hermitude are near enough the top of the list. Their fifth full-length is a complete work, no obvious flaws and a few moments of genuine magic. It’s at once free-flowing and intricately planned. That’s a near impossible balance to strike, but Hermitude have done it. Yes, no surprises here.