"Valentine" serves as the lead single from Hana Piranha's upcoming EP Heart of Darkness. The Brighton-based (with New Zealand roots) alternative rock outfit, fronted by the violin-wielding, multi-instrumentalist Hana Maria, delivers a track that's equal parts seductive and sinister—perfectly timed for those who prefer their romance laced with shadows.
From the opening notes, "Valentine" establishes its dark allure: brooding guitars build tension alongside Hana's signature violin, which weaves through the mix like a haunting counter-melody. The rhythm section drives with a palpitating pulse—think mid-tempo goth-tinged alt-rock that nods to early 2000s influences while staying firmly in the present. Production is lush and immersive, with ethereal vocal layers, rich melodies, and just enough reverb to give it a cinematic, almost nocturnal atmosphere. The violin isn't a gimmick here; it adds dramatic flair, cutting through the guitars with sharp, emotive lines that elevate the song's intensity.
Hana's vocals are the star—full-throated, commanding, and dripping with contradiction. She sings of desire as something dangerous and addictive, capturing that electric moment when attraction feels like a curse or a spark that could ignite destruction. Lyrics explore the intoxicating pull of someone toxic, the black-hearted side of love, and the thrill of surrendering to it. It's not sweet Cupid's arrow; it's a piercing, almost vampiric take on romance—unapologetic, dramatic, and deeply felt. The chorus hooks you with catchy, anthemic repetition that lingers long after the track ends.
The song starts sultry and restrained, then erupts into fuller instrumentation without losing its hypnotic edge. Remixes like the Dogtablet Black Heart Mix push it further into electro-industrial territory, but this original mix keeps the focus on raw emotional authenticity and band chemistry. Hana Piranha has always leaned into nightmares, loneliness, and dark desires, and "Valentine" sharpens that blade. It stands out in the current alt-rock scene for blending violin-driven drama with gritty guitars and lyrics that refuse to romanticize the messiness of obsession.
If you love bands like Warpaint, early Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a darker twist, or anything in the Paisley Underground revival vein (Mazzy Star echoes are there), this will resonate. The track feels like a natural evolution from their previous releases (Wingspan, Toxic cover), embracing a more immersive, enchanting sound while keeping the edge that makes them addictive.
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