Placeholder (CD)
Hand Habits
Amoeba Review
08/31/2020
Hand Habit's Meg Duffy sings about strained relationships on the lyrically anxious but musically soothing new album placeholder. A well-crafted and lush indie singer/songwriter album that never drags, the songs contrast pleasing melodies with darker themes about losing connection with others, and lost love. On “Can't Calm Down,” the sweet verses slide along on a steady beat and slip into a quietly catchy chorus. When strains of gritty electric guitar appear on the bridge of the title track, they are embedded in layers of Duffy's vocals, keeping to the overall warmth of the record.