Album Review: Runah, Hide Behind My Teeth

In 2019, Dublin-based artist Runah became one of the most promising emerging talents in the country with her début album Strange. Her sophomore release, Hide Behind My Teeth, cements her as one of the most interesting young artists to be on the lookout for.

Delving deeper into the electronic/techno elements present in her first record, Hide Behind My Teeth is an improvement in all directions - from melody and lyrics to production and sound design.

The album starts off with what is a bit of an anomaly in the track-list. ‘In Conversation with Death’ is one of Hide Behind My Teeth's only songs in a major key, the catchy electronic beat encroaching into bedroom pop territory. But - as if hiding behind the warmth of the melody - the somewhat ominous lyrics offer a hint of what’s to come.

'Walking’ and ‘Birth’, the two following tracks, are an edgier representation of the album. Leaning into darker hypnotic techno beats and spectral vocals, Runah masterfully conveys the themes of mortality and death which are central to the songs - and the album as a whole.

‘Move’ is another standout track. The minimalist beat allows for Runah’s vocal skills to take centre stage. The production value also shines on the track, the occasional typewriter key click, distorted background sound, creating an eerie, uneasy feeling (in the best possible way).

A muffled, incessant noise lingers in the background of the title track ‘HBMT’, mirroring the songs theme of incessant judgement from others. The hypnotic beat and exasperated vocals conjure up the sensation of being overwhelmed and unable to escape, as the artist delves into one of the more negative facets of fame.

Much like it begins, Hide Behind My Teeth also concludes with a departure from the ominous sound permeating the project. ‘Let’s Do It Again’ catches you off guard, the soft violins and angelic vocals transforming the existentialist angst into a bittersweet melody. One of the most memorable tracks from the album, it perfectly links back up with the title track, evoking a feeling of cyclicity and continuity.

Traversing genres to create dazzling tracks with vivid stories told through both lyrics and melodies, the new album is a clear step forwards for the Manchester-born artist. In between the hauntingly beautiful bookmarks is a musical roller-coaster delving into the depth of existential angst with raw honesty.

Stream Hide Behind My Teeth below: