Hanabie’s EP Review Sparks Hot Topic Discussion
Hanabie. – HOT TOPIC (EP Review)
Hanabie. truly made their mark in 2025, conquering massive festivals like Lollapalooza and the Pol’and’Rock Festival. From their early days with ‘Pardon Me, I Have To Go Now’ in 2023 to their debut at Good Things that same year, Hanabie. has transformed from a high school band to a powerhouse in the metalcore scene.
Their latest EP, HOT TOPIC, is a testament to their evolution. Gathering singles from the previous year and adding two new tracks, Hanabie. showcases their ability to blend EDM elements with metalcore riffs, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.
Starting with ‘ICONIC,’ the EP’s first track and most recent video release, Hanabie. sets the tone with Matsuri’s empowering vocals before diving into chaotic energy led by Yukina’s fierce vocals. ‘Spicy Queen,’ another standout, pays homage to all things spicy with its energetic riffs and mosh-ready breakdowns, culminating in a vibrant music video that assaults the senses in the best way.
‘Tokimeki About You’ introduces a heavier vibe with a focus on vocal interplay between Yukina’s rap segments and Matsuri’s singing. The bass work by Hettsu adds a grungy edge to the track, showcasing the band’s versatility. ‘GIRL’S TALK’ takes a darker turn compared to the rest of the EP, highlighting Matsuri’s clean vocals in a melodic hard rock setting.
To round off the EP, Hanabie. delivers the whimsical ‘Theme Of Hanabiechan,’ a fun and cutesy track that nods to their anime influences with a J-Pop twist. This lighthearted track demonstrates the band’s ability to embrace different styles without taking themselves too seriously.
HOT TOPIC marks another solid entry in Hanabie.’s discography, which has leaned more towards EP and single releases since their major label debut in 2023. Despite their demanding touring schedule, the EP hints at more exciting things on the horizon for the band. With a well-deserved rating of 9/10, HOT TOPIC sets the stage for what could be an eagerly awaited second album from Hanabie.
In conclusion, HOT TOPIC showcases Hanabie.’s musical growth and creative exploration, solidifying their position as one of the most dynamic acts in the metalcore genre. With their ability to infuse diverse influences into their signature sound, Hanabie. continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying music and energetic performances.