Shaking Hand, the Manchester trio, have always been a band that thrives on unpredictability, and their latest single, In For a… Pound!, makes that clear. The track, the second glimpse from their upcoming self-titled debut album, condenses the band’s restless energy into a punchy, urgent package. Where their earlier release Mantras unfolded slowly, sprawling and contemplative, In For a… Pound! strikes immediately with jagged post-punk guitar hits, clipped vocals, and a sudden tumble into noise that recalls the abrasive textures of Sonic Youth.
What stands out is the band’s knack for contrast. They can craft sprawling, atmospheric epics, yet they’re equally adept at packing intensity and complexity into a brief, high-impact track. The guitars, rhythms, and layers of distortion collide and interlock in ways that feel spontaneous but deliberate, a controlled chaos that keeps listeners on edge.
Across their work, Shaking Hand have built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of guitar-driven music. They straddle the line between post-rock expansiveness and post-punk immediacy, blending tension, grit, and experimentation. In For a… Pound! embodies this duality perfectly: it’s sharp, daring, and alive, a compact demonstration of the trio’s inventive approach to songcraft.
As they gear up to release their full album, the Manchester three-piece show that they are unafraid to challenge expectations, to embrace noise, to experiment with structure, and to explore the unpredictable spaces where melody, dissonance, and energy converge. With In For a… Pound!, Shaking Hand confirm themselves as one of the most exciting new guitar bands on the UK scene, a group carving out a distinct voice in a crowded field.
