ALBUM REVIEW: HIMALAYAS - BAD STAR (25/04/25)
HIMALAYAS’s second album BAD STAR is a record that sees the Cardiff quartet, formed in high school 10 years ago by Joe Williams (vocals/guitar), Mike Griffiths (guitar/vocals), Louis Heaps (bass) and James Goulbourn (drums), expanding far beyond the indie-rock of their first works. The band are on an unstoppable rise since the release of their debut album From Hell To Here back in 2023, achieving over 93 million streams and supporting the Foo Fighters at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last summer.
With themes delving into the complexities of human nature and self-inflicted chaos, embracing the present and human connection, BAD STAR is a ten-track journey that drives a message that undoubtedly everyone can identify with.
The first song ‘Beneath The Barrel’ is a slow-burn opener, building crescendo with heavy guitar riffs kicking off halfway through the track, setting the band’s intentions from the start. Then follows ‘Hung Up’, a track that emphasises the punchy rock element of the album with a wall of exhilarating guitar riffs and slick vocals, channelling high energy. As far as influences go, Arctic Monkeys comes to mind on these first couple of tracks, notably through the similarities between vocalist Joe Williams and the Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner.
The third track ‘Cave Paintings’ offers more catchy, Royal Blood-esque guitar shreds, which doesn’t come as a surprise, as the album was produced by Pete Hutchings, who previously worked with the likes of Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves, Skindred and even Lady Gaga. ‘What If…?’ drives even more powerful guitars and the drums take inspiration from The Prodigy and Run The Jewels, the track also exploring modern anxieties and accepting life’s uncertainties.
A change in tempo in ‘Heavy Weather’ with a slower start builds some tension whilst also giving the listener the opportunity to fully appreciate Williams’s vocal capabilities. The 6th track ‘Surrender’, addresses the topic of division, lack of dialogue and understanding in conflict, following the recurring theme of human nature and its challenges, driven throughout this album.
‘Nothing Higher’ is a beautiful track that is notedly darker with lots of nods to influences like MUSE. The song addresses the importance of finding a connection with other people, through its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody - our favourite track so far. ‘Afterlife’ offers more strutting guitars, also exploring the idea of living in the present and not getting caught up in constantly longing for what could be next.
The album closes with the energetic ‘A Brand New God’, a track that captures the essence of the group perfectly, both lyrically and sonically, with more thick riffs, a recurring feature throughout the album.
With BAD STAR, HIMALAYAS offers a journey worth taking, solidify their place in the modern rock landscape. The album's blend of introspective themes showcases raw emotion and dynamic soundscapes, inviting listeners to reflect, rock out, and everything in between.
Aside from the release of their sophomore album, the band have huge plans for the reminder of the year. Rock enthusiasts will be eager to catch the new material during their upcoming UK tour in May/June.
BAD STAR was released on April 25th, 2025. Listen now on all streaming platforms.
