Hansom Éli - “Fièvre”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Christine & the Queens, Lorde, Ethel Cain

Canadian duo Hansom Éli are born of softened dream pop, but that’s just the starting point for the subtly adventurous artists. Twists of hip hop, dance pop, and French folk take their music into interesting spaces across the band’s three EPs since debuting in 2019. Making a pop sound so patient and measured is impressive, warming what could be over-the-top bangers into something more natural and affecting. It gives Hansom Éli’s sound a sense of anticipation and knowing they are going to surprise makes those softer times really stand out. Bilingual within their tracks, these multiple streams of lyrics give Hansom Éli a sense of mystery as well. More romantic than straight introspective, the Montreal-based artists bring emotionality while not necessarily sounding lonely. Ultimately, Hansom Éli plays pretty music with purpose, a quality that should make for a fulfilling live set at Swan Dive Tuesday night between very-much-worth-catching artists Bella White and Fionn. (Kevin McStravick)