The songwriting project of Meg Duffy, Hand Habits, has released a new three-song EP, including a bonus track, entitled dirt (via Saddle Creek). Recorded at Duffy’s new living situation in Los Angeles with musicians SASAMI and King Tuff (Kyle Thomas), the environment speaks greatly to the music on this EP.
The first single, “4th of july,” produced by SASAMI, is met with the solemn cover of Neil Young’s “I Believe in You,” stylized as “i believe in you,” produced by King Tuff in his home studio. Having such a creative space to work in with the like-minded musicians Duffy was surrounded by could be the reason why these songs feel so well-realized.
“4th of july” starts as an important ambient folk track that sprawls into a pulsing and danceable devotional. It is absolutely restorative. The inner workings of the gorgeous mix let the song flourish gracefully at its own pace that is perfect enough for any listener to grasp.
The track invokes the garagey sunshine-pop of the late 1960s placed into today’s isolated context. With lyrics that acknowledge the feeling of being buried (“getting so stuck / both hands in the dirt”), it’s easy to get lost under the weight of them. The continuation of the instrumentals allow the lyrics to follow energetically instead of projecting their burden before the encouraging ending, “both hands in the dirt / so you might as well try.”
“i believe in you” is Duffy’s take on Neil Young’s classic off of his monumental 1970 album, After the Gold Rush. It reinterprets the wondrous acoustic ballad as a dense and paced electric piece. It is a must-listen to appreciate the artistry of Duffy’s guitar playing paired with King Tuff’s production value – especially if you know and love Young’s original.
The bonus track is a remix by electro-pop artist Katie Dey of Duffy’s song “what’s the use” from their 2019 album, placeholder (via Saddle Creek).
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