Albums: Everyone Says Hi

Everyone Says Hi

Somebody Somewhere, Lucky Stars; Only One; Brain Freeze; I Wish I Was In New York City; On The Same Side; I Wasn't Dreaming; Holding On To Let Go; Tried And Failed; Did I Just Fall In Love

Label: Prediction Records

Everyone Says Hi started out as a solo project but has grown into something of a supergroup. Headed up by ex-Kaiser Chief's drummer and songwriter, Nick Hodgson, the pedigree was already high. Having moved into a frontman role, he has signed up a veritable who's who of musicians to expand his sound. On the band's debut album, Everyone Says Hi, he is joined by Pete Denton (The Kooks) on bass, Glenn Moule (Howling Bells) on drums, keyboard player Ben Gordon (The Dead 60s), and Leeds-based guitarist Tom Dawson. With a wealth of musical experience behind them and real diversity in their soundscapes, the question is: how does it all create a new harmony as they build forward in their direction?

From the opening moments of their debut album, Somebody Somewhere, it is immediately apparent that this is a band with huge potential.

Hodgson's vocals are impressive, and the group sounds together and slick, with a sound reminiscent of the louche Britpop and straight-talking alt rock that dominated the mid- to late-90s. This is a band that knows their influences but transforms into their own forward-thinking soundscape.

The former single, Lucky Stars, follows next, and it acts as a more broad introduction to each of the band members, with plenty of space for them to really showcase their skills. However, it is with the pop-orientated chorus that Hodgson's songwriting skills are truly showcased. Without abandoning their overriding soundscape for the record, he shows that they also have mainstream pop appeal.

The epic only One, with its real drive and uplift as it builds to its crescendo, echoes this sentiment. This song has the potential to become a real crossover hit. As they move away from the poppier realms, the brilliance of the more alt Brain Freeze will transport their listeners with the epic riffs and bouncy uplift. Hodgson grows even further into the frontman role, and this will no doubt shine on their live shows. However, the group truly shines on the initially sleepy but increasingly explosive I Wish I Was In New York City song.

Taking all elements of the sounds explored on the record, this is a truly faultless moment that will prove a signature song for them. Only eclipsing this moment is the lush, semi-folk sound of I Wasn't Dreaming, which uses striking harmonies that really pull on your heartstrings.

Everyone Says Hi has delivered what may be the finest debut of 2025. It takes the pedigree of the performers' past experiences but reshapes, remoulds, and rejigs it into a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Each member is allowed room to breathe and a time to shine. But most importantly, the songs are not just enjoyable; they are memorable.

Impressive.