Returning from a brief hiatus, alt-rock duo Hàn Gắn roar back onto the scene with Bird of Burden, an electrifying anthem that fuses raw catharsis with relentless punk energy. Following their 2024 single Pull The Pin, the duo raises the stakes with razor-sharp guitars, pummeling backbeats, and defiant, raspy vocals that drive the track’s urgent intensity.
Far from a straightforward rock song, Bird of Burden unfolds in three distinct movements, reflecting the track’s gradual evolution over time. Thematically, it channels frustration and resilience, drawing inspiration from the chaos in Washington and the weight of personal and collective burdens. “Each of us carries our own burdens—like the Mariner and the albatross,” the band explains, cementing the song’s introspective undercurrent.
The release also features two bonus tracks: a remastered version of Soul’s Fire Escape from their debut EP The City of Magnificent Intentions, and an instrumental dub of The Sound from their album Tragically Optimistic.
Formed in 2017, Hàn Gắn—comprised of J. Brian Nicewander and Matt T. Eng—originated their sound from the tenth floor of a Virginia high-rise, overlooking the Potomac River and U.S. Capitol. Rooted in the underground punk scenes of coastal Virginia, their music serves as both an observation and a challenge. “It starts with observing the world around us,” Brian shares. “These observations lead to questions, and through them, we invite listeners to align with what they feel intuitively.”
As Hàn Gắn continues their sonic journey, Bird of Burden stands as a fierce, unyielding statement—one that reaffirms their place in the alt-rock underground. If this release is any indication, they’re just getting started.
