7/10

With their self-titled debut album, Everyone Says Hi deliver a collection that feels both refreshingly new and deeply familiar, crafted by musicians who understand the weight of melody, storytelling, and immersive soundscapes. Spearheaded by Nick Hodgson, best known for his tenure as the drummer and songwriter of Kaiser Chiefs, this project sees him stepping into the spotlight as frontman, surrounded by an ensemble of seasoned musicians, including Pete Denton, Glenn Moule, Ben Gordon, and Tom Dawson. The result? A band that makes an unforgettable entrance.

The album is a masterclass in atmospheric, introspective indie-rock, blending warm, textured instrumentation with lyrics that are unfiltered and deeply personal. Hodgson’s return to band life feels less like a reinvention and more like a homecoming, one that revives his excitement for music while tapping into years of songwriting experience. Tracks like 'Lucky Stars’ showcase the band’s arena-ready yet intimate approach, balancing melodic elegance with an undeniable emotional pull.

Across its ten tracks, the album unfolds like a late-night conversation; honest, reflective, and brimming with wistful nostalgia and quiet revelations. ‘Did I Just Fall in Love’ captures a moment of pure awe and tenderness, inspired by the first time Hodgson laid eyes on his newborn child. ‘Holding On To Let Go’ wraps jangly guitars around themes of release and resilience, while ‘I Wish I Was In New York City’ leans into longing and wanderlust, evoking the feeling of a world just out of reach.

Produced between Snap Studios in London and Hodgson’s own home studio, the record radiates warmth. Its carefully layered instrumentation and thoughtful songwriting invite the listener into a world where every note feels purposeful. It’s no surprise that early singles like ‘Brain Freeze’ and ‘Somebody Somewhere’ garnered comparisons to Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys, with their psychedelic-tinged, cinematic undertones.

While this may be a new chapter for Hodgson, Everyone Says Hi is not a band searching for its identity, it’s one that arrives fully formed. It’s an invitation to turn down the lights, press play, and let the music pull you in, track by track, like an old friend with new stories to tell.