Colin 
Hen Hoose Collective are a group of women and non-binary artists who come together because they genuinely want to make music with one another. There is no hierarchy, no spotlight chasing, and no sense of obligation. Instead, the collective is built on shared trust, curiosity, and the freedom to follow ideas wherever they lead. Over time, that approach has grown into something solid and self-sustaining, rooted in mutual respect rather than statement-making.
You hear that ease all over The Twelve. The album was written and recorded during a week spent together at Black Bay Studio on the Isle of Lewis, with twelve artists living and working side by side. That closeness matters. Songs feel responsive and present, shaped by conversation, instinct, and the energy of being in the same room. Nothing sounds forced or overthought. Instead, the record carries a sense of momentum that feels natural and inviting.
After the remote process behind debut album Equaliser, this feels like a release. Susan Bear, Inge Thomson, SHEARS, Carla J Easton, Frances McKee, AMUNDA, Djana Gabrielle, Emma Pollock, Jill Lorean, Cariss Crosbie, Ray Aggs, and MALKA move with confidence, trusting one another enough to let songs develop quickly without losing care or detail. That confidence gives the album its warmth.
‘Wipe Out’ opens things with a sense of purpose, led by Susan, Ray, MALKA, and Inge. Rhythm takes the lead, setting a tone that feels controlled without being stiff. From there, The Twelve keeps unfolding rather than jumping. ‘Rich (Katy’s In Space)’ brings sharp humour and bite through the voices of Inge, Frances, Carla, and AMUNDA, while ‘Out My Mind’, shaped by SHEARS, Cariss, Ray, and AMUNDA, leans into restless energy that feels built for release.
Shared voices, real connection
One of the album’s strengths is how easily it shifts gear. ‘Sirens Call My Name’, written by MALKA, Carla, Inge, and Emma, slows the pace without losing focus. Live instrumentation and electronics sit comfortably together, supporting a song centred on belonging and connection. It lands with clarity rather than scale, letting emotion come through without excess.
Elsewhere, The Twelve shows its range through contrast. ‘Promise’, written by Susan, Ray, Djana, and Cariss, gives space room to breathe, carrying weight without dragging. ‘Game of 2’, shaped by AMUNDA, Jill, Carla, and Djana, brings tension back into the frame with restraint rather than urgency. ‘Ego Death’, from SHEARS, Frances, Emma, and Cariss, strips things back further, trusting vocal interplay and subtle movement to hold attention.
That trust feeds into ‘In Control’, where SHEARS, MALKA, Emma, and Jill bring focus and drive without crowding the mix. By the time ‘Blessings On The Day’ arrives, written by Susan, Frances, Djana, and Jill, the album feels ready to rest. Inspired by a local greeting, the closing track offers calm and resolution, ending the record with assurance rather than spectacle.
Production duties rotate across Susan Bear, SHEARS, AMUNDA, Inge Thomson, and MALKA, and that shared responsibility shows. Percussion supports momentum without overpowering melody. Synths add colour without noise. Acoustic elements provide grounding when needed. Everything feels chosen, not stacked.
The Twelve works because it feels human at every point. Individual voices stay distinct, yet nothing turns competitive. Instead, the album reflects a group of artists comfortable enough with one another to listen closely and respond honestly. Hen Hoose Collective show how collaboration sharpens music when it is built on trust, time, and shared purpose. The result feels generous, confident, and deeply satisfying.
You can support The Hen Hoose Collective directly by ordering the album – in digital or physical formats – over on Bandcamp. You can also stream the album on your chosen platform.