“It feels easier to let go of situations or people that don’t serve me.” – Hannah van Loon
Successfully channeling 1990s alt rock and shoegaze sounds, Circles is the latest five-track EP by Tanukichan, the musical project of Oakland’s Hannah van Loon. Written in collaboration with producer Franco Reid (a shift for van Loon, who last worked on a few projects with Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi), the songs explore “internal struggles” through the lens of maturity and memories. Opening track “City Bus” sets the tone with glazed guitars, fuzzy bass, and punchy drums as the artist gently ruminates lullaby-like on her childhood bus rides in San Francisco. “It Gets Easier,” featuring Natalie R. Lu of Wisp, barrels ahead with messy noise and melody, a metaphor for the trip to self-worth and self-confidence. Out now on Carpark Records.