Canberra rock heavyweights Hands Like Houses have announced the Lótus EP, set for release on Friday 22nd May via Civilians. The announcement arrives alongside their new single “DEAD“, a dysphoric offering that deepens the dark and moody world they’ve been building across recent releases.
Melancholic and compelling, “DEAD” is about admitting how often we manipulate ourselves just to get through the day. “We bend the truth, numb the doubt, and call it strength so we don’t have to face how empty things can feel,” shares the band.
“We build a life that looks held together, then act surprised when it still feels bare inside. The dread in this song isn’t dramatic, it’s familiar, routine, something we learn to live with. Saying out loud that everything is already hard enough, and pretending otherwise is part of what’s been breaking us.”
“DEAD” joins “Flowers” and “Warning Signs” on the Lótus EP track list, the latter featuring post-hardcore mainstays, Dream On Dreamer. Across the three tracks, Hands Like Houses lean into a darker and more reflective space, unpacking themes of emotional burnout, self-awareness and the delicate balancing act of maintaining mental wellbeing.
The announcement of the Lótus EP arrives in tandem with The Lótus Tour this April, which sees Hands Like Houses reunite with Dream On Dreamer for a national run of shows. Kicking off in Canberra at The Baso on Thursday 16 April, the tour will then roll through Manning Bar in Sydney, Princess Theatre in Brisbane, Kings Beach Tavern on the Sunshine Coast, 170 Russell in Melbourne, UniBar in Adelaide, and will conclude at Magnet House in Perth on Sunday 26 April.
In the spirit of community that has long defined their career, Hands Like Houses opened submissions for local Australian artists to join the tour. With lineups finalised in February, a new wave of rising talent is now locked in across each stop of the run. As tickets continue to move fast, the tour has shaping itself into a nationwide celebration of both established and emerging voices.
More than fifteen years into their career, Hands Like Houses
“DEAD” is out now and streaming everywhere via Civilians. Tickets for The Lótus Tour are on sale via handslikehouses.live now.
HANDS LIKE HOUSES AUSTRALIAN TOUR
APRIL 2026 WITH DREAM ON DREAMER
Thursday 16 April – The Baso, Canberra, ACT
Friday 17 April – Manning Bar, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 18 April – Princess Theatre, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 19 April – Kings Beach Tav, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Friday 24 April – 170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 25 April – UniBar, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 26 April – Magnet House, Perth, WA
