UK-based singer-songwriter Hana Maria along with her dedicated band Hana Piranha relish in exploring the dark temptations and gripping feelings universally faced rather than shying away from them. Their single “I Wanna Leave” wastes no time tapping into a morbid authenticity as the title reveals itself as the first line in the song.
What follows is impeccable control over the musicality beginning with full-throttle grunge, with spoken lyrics that paint the tune in shadows and moving to the incorporation of synthesizers to increase uneasiness and instill mezmerization in listeners. The song ends with a distorted upbeat melody reminiscent of an old-timey carnival.
“I Wanna Leave” delivers a rich, never tiresome listening experience, balancing genre and lyrical intention effortlessly, diverging into various melodic routes that captivate and unnerve. What is achieved in the new single is a common thread among Hana Piranha’s music as the band embraces darkness and utilizes it as a driving force in their music.
Hana herself has described her band’s music as a diary revealing, “turbulent and often disturbing songwriting.” The singer’s background in classical violin also allows her to reimagine the instrument’s purposes and cultivate a unique sound while acknowledging her roots in this genre.
There are hints of violin in the background spliced throughout the song often overpowered by the clashing symbols and vibrations of electric guitar. This choice to spice up the song with something cinematic contributes to its visceral tone and makes for an even more incredible listen through headphones.
Hana’s vocals have to be acknowledged and celebrated as one of the most compelling aspects of the song as they twist and turn around the melody, changing to fit what’s being expressed in the song. It’s safe to assume that a performance of this song live would immediately rouse audience members and encapsulate them in the band’s ecliptic environment.
Hana Piranha has also released a music video to their YouTube, following in the footsteps of one of their most popular songs “Lorelei.” The video features the same shadowy ambiance the song emulates, perfectly tying into the Hana Piranha catalog.
The song comes off the band’s latest album Wingspan which was released in November of 2023. The album chronicles similarly heavy themes and complimentary music, though the styles of each song range drastically, culminating in a comprehensive tracklist.
Through their openness, inhibited expression, and untamed talent, Hana Piranha showcases their best qualities in “I Wanna Leave.” The influences of heavy rock, a cinematic presence, and the implementation of synth sounds make for a wild ride of a listen.
