SOUTH WEST “LOSERCORE” QUARTET HAMARTIA RELEASE ANTICIPATED NEW SINGLE ‘IS THIS IT?’

SINGLE REVIEW | HAMARTIA – IS THIS IT? by Ollie Hayman 5/5

Following recent tour dates supporting the likes of Lake Malice and Mallavora, self proclaimed ‘losercore’ quartet Hamartia have released their long awaited new single ‘Is This It?‘.Their incredible frontwoman Sophie Smith has said it’s a song about “self love and acceptance”, saying how a great term used to describe it is “post-therapy” – showing how the time the band have spent since last releasing music has been a period of intense self-reflection.

I remember being at a show of theirs supporting Blank Atlas, and their music was described by Sophie as mainly “songs about bad people in their life” – or something along those lines. This song is the polar opposite however, and shows a much more positive side of the band in their lyrics.

One of the lyrics I really isolated was “I deserve the good that comes to me” – it shows that from what could have been a dark place for Sophie, she’s come out the other end of that. Because it’s repeated throughout the song, it’s also self-affirmation in a way, that it’s not just luck or chance.

All in all, the chorus is very well written. It gives off the impression that self-love is one of the most important things you should do – “I felt love, when I choose myself” – showing that one of the only times love can truly be felt is when you love yourself.

Another one of the lyrics I picked out is right at the start of the song – “not used to nights away, just guilt trips”. This hints back to Sophie’s past, and how the good that she’s being shown is something foreign and unexpected. It’s also shown a bit later in the song – “pinch myself, too good to be true” – again showing that feeling of disbelief in what she’s being shown.

I’m personally a big fan of Hamartia – so I’m really looking forward to the future. If you’re seeing anything with the band in – expect one hell of a show! They’re brilliant live, and I’m sure you’ll be a fan too!

Their next show is supporting Seneca at Crofter’s Rights, Bristol, on the 1st of September! Tickets available now.