Liverpool indie rock duo, King Hannah has announced their sophomore LP, Big Swimmer, for May 31st via the venerable City Slang Records produced by Ali Chant (Aldous Harding, PJ Harvey, Perfume Genius). Their first album since 2021’s I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me, now they are back with the title track featuring special guest Sharon Van Etten. On “Big Swimmer” Merricks’ voice stretches out, courageous while intertwining with Van Etten’s voice effortlessly. Having a beloved hero offer her endorsement and co-sign to this rising band’s music truly moved the duo. “I think Sharon just remembers what it’s like to be a new artist,” Whittle remarks on Van Etten lending her talents to the young band. Van Etten’s generosity and support prove to emphasize “Big Swimmer”’s call to keep swimming towards the waters that call to you. Big Swimmer reflects on stories from their travels away from home, as the duo shared the stage with Kurt Vile, Kevin Morby, Thurston Moore, and festivals throughout Europe and North America. Particularly in America, Merrick and Whittle found themselves looking through their tour van window as a sort of screen, allowing for inspiration for their storytelling to come pouring in. “Because if you’re visiting a different country, it’s more like you’re witnessing someone’s life,” Merrick comments on the band’s experiences on the road in the States. Therein a balance of lightness and darkness melded together, as the band witnessed everyday delights, horrors and mundanities — this all against the backdrop of their dreams of performing their songs around the world coming true. Big Swimmer finds King Hannah on the other side of their first act with a newfound understanding of their sound, their strengths, their gratitude, and their vision for the future of the band’s music.
