Hanabie //HOT TOPIC
whiplash in an album
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Photo Courtesy of Sony Music
After their time as one of the top Japanese rock acts, there is a sense, listening to HOT TOPIC, that HANABIE. are no longer trying to prove anything. The Tokyo-based quartet have already done the hard yards, giving us viral moments, sold-out tours and main stages. This new EP doesn’t sound like a band scrambling for the next rung on the ladder but rather a snapshot of a group fully aware of their identity, just sharper – pairing a new single with existing favourites.
True to their self-described “Harajuku-core” ethos, HOT TOPIC thrives on contradiction. Cute and chaotic, playful and punishing, seamlessly ricocheting between extremes. Yet what could easily collapse into novelty is held together by sharp songwriting instincts and a growing sense of discipline in their art. This is HANABIE. at their most refined without losing the feral energy that first set them apart.
The new single “ICONIC” wastes no time establishing tone. It’s confrontational and maximalist, driven by thick, strong riffs and Yukina’s devastating vocal switches, with her snarling shouts giving way to sugary hooks without warning. The song feels purpose-built for chaotic rooms with wild pits, yet with a clean, crisp construction. Every gear shift lands exactly where it should.
Photo Courtesy of Sony Music
“Spicy Queen” carries that aggression with the twist of a cheeky attitude. Chika’s drumming in particular punches through the mix while Matsuri’s guitar work balances it all. It’s one of the EP’s most immediately satisfying (and popular) tracks, designed to hit hard live but catchy enough to linger long after.
The tonal pivot arrives with “トキメキAbout you (Tokimeki about you)”, which embraces HANABIE.’s idol-pop influences more openly. Bubblegum, anime-tinged melodies sit atop a deceptively heavy backbone, creating a push-pull effect that defines much of the EP’s charm. It’s this willingness to flirt with pop without sanding down the edges that keeps the band feeling unpredictable rather than gimmicky.
“GIRL’S TALK” follows as one of the EP’s most eclectic moments, stitching together hyperactive rhythms and playful vocals with a sudden burst of heaviness. The track feels almost conversational in structure, balancing chaos with intention and highlighting the chemistry between the members. It’s also where the bands sense of fun shines brightest, reminding listeners that technical skill doesn’t have to come at the expense of personality.
Closing track “はなびえんちゃん。のテーマ (Theme of hanabienchan.)”, to keep it simple, is sharp and self-aware. It functions almost as both an outro and a mission statement, underlining the girl’s flair without slipping into self-indulgence. It’s an unconventional ending, but one that fits the EP’s restless spirit.
What HOT TOPIC ultimately demonstrates is growth, with the new track seamlessly flowing into their existing discography, with an added spice. HANABIE. are still chaotic, still genre-hopping yet still delightfully hard to pin down. After a whirlwind few years that have included world tours, festival milestones and viral success, this EP sounds like a band settling into their power rather than being overwhelmed by it. With a major North American tour on the horizon and momentum firmly on their side, this EP functions more as an artistic announcement, rather than your run-of-the-mill release.
Written by May Uddin
