Blue Reminder sees Meg Duffy embracing joy and love in their most directly and, dare we say it, happy set of songs yet. The titular reminder speaks to a melancholy that is ever-present, but this album seeks to try and stop sadness and past traumas from maintaining their debilitating hold on Duffy’s psyche. The result takes in a much broader range of sounds, but remains grounded in the personal, reflective lyricism that has become the calling card of Hand Habits.

Lead single, ‘Wheel of Change’ demonstrates the heavier guitars and crunchy drums that permeate the album, and ‘Beauty 62’ has some enveloping swells, but the star player throughout is the piano. ‘Nubble’ and the title track show off skilful, cascading runs that give a sense of momentum building, while ‘Way It Goes’ bursts forth with striking chords full of sustain. The jarring fluctuation of light and heavy is used to excellent effect on the latter song specifically, along with moody horns that Colin Stetson would surely approve.

And the pomp and confidence of the arrangements is matched by Duffy’s newly positive outlook, allowing themself the freedom to live truly in the present rather than being constrained by anxiety and emotional turmoil. Nowhere is this more clearly articulated than in ‘Bluebird of Happiness’ where they welcome the metaphorical bird with clear exhortations like “misery has no place here.” There remains the caveat that they must plead with the bird to “stay through the winter” – this isn’t some delusional joy – but compared to prior work it’s Pharrell levels of optimism.

Not to say that Blue Reminder is a total tranformation; there are still moments of peace and quiet contemplation. ‘Dead Rat’ is a particularly lovely acoustic meditation on our own limitations and ‘Quiet Summer’ is a meandering lowkey affair befitting its title. But the variety of sound and self-assured composure look good on Duffy and gesture toward an exciting, new chapter for Hand Habits.