Brighton-based artist Will Hanco delivers a remarkably grounded and expansive body of work with his six-track EP, ‘Storm Before The Calm’. Originally hailing from Yorkshire, the singer-songwriter has crafted an immersive indie folk-rock collection that feels incredibly intimate yet structurally vast.
Written and entirely self-produced in his bedroom studio following the sudden passing of his father, the record serves as a stark testament to creative resilience. Every facet of the arrangement, mixing, and instrumentation was handled in isolation, resulting in a cohesive project where the level of artistic control is palpable.
Musically, the EP thrives on a brilliant use of contrast. Delicate, close, warming, acoustic guitars and airy baritone vocals give way to massive, swelling soundscapes. Hanco layers electric guitars, slide textures, and orchestral percussion to construct a truly widescreen listening experience. The opening track, ‘Outlier’, establishes this dynamic immediately, blending driving rhythms with expansive, atmospheric guitar work that holds a sense of controlled tension.
Meanwhile, the lead single, ‘Heaven Below’, stands out as a showcase for his sharp melodic instincts, seamlessly balancing accessibility with emotional weight. Another highlight, ‘Remnant’, dials back the intensity, allowing melancholic tones and ambient-laced instrumentation to support a more understated, vulnerable vocal performance.
The true triumph of the record lies in its emotional honesty and dynamic range. Hushed, introspective moments unexpectedly erupt into raw, unfiltered intensity, where Hanco’s vocals push into a rasped, powerful release. It is a sonically rich achievement that feels remarkably sophisticated for a bedroom production.
Reflecting on the process, Hanco shares: “This EP was written during a time where a lot in my life wasn’t certain. It came at a point where I felt disconnected from the outside world during my father’s passing, and I was trying to make sense of everything around me again, one day at a time. This EP was my only outlet in navigating how I was feeling, enabling me to reflect and put my next foot forward. It became an outlet for things I didn’t really know how to process at the time, and an honest body of work, and an important step forward.”
‘Storm Before The Calm’ is a profound exploration of continuation rather than just loss. Hanco has solidified his identity as one of the UK’s most authentic emerging voices, effortlessly turning personal grief into a universally resonant journey.
To ensure you catch his upcoming live dates and future releases, stop by his Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok channels today.
