Sydney’s emotive indie trio Middle Kids delivers a powerful exploration of faith and belief with their latest album, “Faith Crisis Pt 1,” released today. Led by songwriter and vocalist Hannah Joy, the album dives into themes of yearning, angst, and the struggle to find belief in turbulent times, offering a glimmer of hope and reassurance amidst uncertainty.
At the core of “Faith Crisis Pt 1” lies a profound question about belief, as Hannah navigates the complexities of losing and rebuilding certainty. Written during a time of personal faith crisis, the album resonates with the collective struggle to find belief in beautiful things amidst overwhelming challenges.
Co-produced by Tim Fitz and Jonathan Gilmore, the album showcases Middle Kids’ blend of propulsive rhythms, ecstatic melodies, and gorgeous instrumentation. Through 13 tracks, the band masterfully expresses the sensation of being overwhelmed and dragged down, while also uplifting listeners with exalting anthems.
Standout tracks like “All In My Head,” featuring Gang of Youths frontman Dave Le’aupepe, capture the essence of the album’s exploration of faith and doubt. Hannah’s tender, open-hearted lyrics paired with Le’aupepe’s soul-stirring vocals create a poignant ballad that traces the origins of Joy’s faith crisis, inviting listeners to ponder their own existential questions. “I actually wrote that song many years ago, and it’s always felt very special, but I’ve never really known what to do with it,” Hannah sats about the song. “It used to be a big full-band song, but when we stripped it back to just me and the piano, I could see it for what it was.”
“This song started as a jangly indie song but became a piano ballad,” Hannah continues. “Maybe one day we’ll release the guitar version. But we stripped it back to bring out the lyrics more. It’s about a time when I was younger and just felt so confused about myself, about life, all of it. The seeds of Faith Crisis pt 1 were there.”
Middle Kids will bring their live performance to audiences in Australia and the USA in May and June 2024, promising an immersive experience that captures the essence of the album. With each track serving as a beacon of hope in tumultuous times, Middle Kids reaffirm their position as a band that inspires and uplifts with their music.
