Longtime readers of our monthly Disco & Funk charts will recognize this name: The Loneliest Hunk is back at it again.
Last month, he returned to Follow Joy Records with “The Keys“, a concise yet expressive EP that leans into one of dance music’s most enduring instruments: the piano. Across two tracks, the New Zealand–based producer delivers a statement rooted in warmth, optimism, and unbridled joy, reaffirming his ability to balance classic house values with a modern production sensibility.
For this release, the piano is not simply a stylistic choice but a personal anchor. As the artist explains, it was the first instrument he learned as a child, and its honesty shapes the emotional core of the EP. That sincerity comes through immediately on lead track “Open Up”, where sunlit piano chords recall the golden era of house music while remaining firmly grounded in the present. Nostalgic string stabs and a spoken-word message of hope add depth, creating a track that feels uplifting without drifting into sentimentality.
The second cut, “Pianoiee”, keeps the momentum flowing. Built around a buoyant, looping piano figure, the track gradually intensifies as it unfolds, carried by a classic house groove that energizes every moment. Its strength lies in restraint, allowing melody and rhythm to work together with clarity and purpose, a hallmark of The Loneliest Hunk’s sound.
The EP is a must listen for fans of artists like Art of Tones, Crackazat, and Dam Swindle, offering piano-driven house that is rich in texture and melodic focus. It also reflects the producer’s broader musical background, shaped by two decades of experience in London and Ibiza and performances at venues including Space, Café Del Mar, Ministry of Sound, and Pacha. That history, combined with his roots in the edits scene and growing success with original productions, informs a style that values connection and collective energy.
“The Keys” is a reminder of the piano’s timeless role in dance music and of The Loneliest Hunk’s ability to use it as a vehicle for joy, movement, and human expression. He ended 2025 on a very strong note, and we can’t wait to see what he does in 2026.
Stream “The Keys” here.
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