We’re all familiar with the concept of a creative hiatus - perhaps a few months; a year or two usually seems to be the longest. However, how about a five year absence? That’s exactly what has preluded Hanne Hukkelberg’s brand new release ‘The Whip’, which is one hell of a comeback! This Norwegian artist is known for her innovative, challenging electronic works in her home country, and with the help of Propeller Recordings she’s set to take that reputation further. ‘The Whip’ is fresh and raw, excelled by a high-definition production that places a magnifying lens over those bubbling synths, slow-motion grime electronics, African rhythms and Ingrid Helene Håvik’s (of Highasakite) stunning vocals. In so many ways, this track is warped and twisted, embracing the imperfect. That’s the point really, as Hukkelberg explains, “The Whip is a combination of personal experience and a wider observation of society and how I feel people are living their lives, striving for this unrealistic idea of perfection. I wanted to write about how nice – and necessary – it is to need someone. To be vulnerable in a society that encourages us to look like someone that has everything, all of the time, and doesn’t actually need anything.” ‘The Whip’ also signals the oncoming arrival of Hanne Hukkleberg’s fifth studio album, so watch this space. - HT