niiice. - "Sweaty Hamm's" | New Music

(Cover by Alexis Politz)

On this illustrious Friday, we've been gifted with a "new" song from Mineapolis' very own niiice. "Sweaty Hands" been a staple of the band's set ever since coming out at the very end of 2018 on the Brace Cove Presents (Vol. 1) compilation (where's volume two?). If the 2018 version was the song's first Pokemon evolution, then this video from DIY Prom last fall (filmed by Bethünni Schreiner) is the second stage, which in turn makes its official re-release as "Sweaty Hamm's" the third and final stage.

Do not fret, this is still the same song we know and love. It fully retains the air of anxiety and desperation so candidly depicted in Roddie Gadeberg's lyrics. The lopsided uncertainty of questions like "are you still there?" and "will it ever get better?" are flung into the open as an act of catharsis. Answers may not come, but sometimes all you can do is ask. Bravery is inherent in the act of asking itself.

Given how long the song has been out, listening to it feels like home. Abe Anderson's sublime bassline has aged like a fine wine; the tidal wave of a breakdown that comes after Gadeberg screams "But we're not getting better" is still capable of knocking you out if you're caught unaware. No one has ever denied that niiice. has riffs — even if "Sweaty Hamm's" was their only song, it would be impossible to do so.

The track's pièce de résistance (pardon the French) has always been its final minute. With a wash of cymbals, everything fades away to reveal unexpected beauty: a soft-spoken plea for reassurance from a place of tender sorrow. Anticipation builds like a geyser until the chorus is screamed once more, an ultimate emotional release. Every imaginable feeling becomes a cyclone rushing together, sweeping away any fears you might have yourself. niiice.'s ability to continually prove the incomparable power of music refuses to falter.

Buy "Sweaty Hamm's" here or stream it below. Abe Anderson recorded, mixed, and mastered the song (good job Abe!). It was released by Brace Cove Records.