Debut album from Hen Yanni

Originally hailing from Haifa in Israel, Hen Yanni is an artist who’s always rebelled against the constraints of societal norms, seeking freedom in both her life and music. Growing up in a country with deep historical roots and a complex social fabric, Hen was shaped by a diverse yet challenging environment. Her experiences as a queer artist in these societal expectations are reflected in the music she creates today, music that ‘s as much an expression of personal exploration as it is a celebration of individuality.

At fifteen, she made the decision to leave Israel and pursue a modelling career in Europe, which led her to the fashion capitals of Paris and Milan. Yet, it was the untamed energy of the underground music scene in London that truly ignited her creative spark and it was there that she began to reshape her identity, shaving her head and fully immersing herself in the punk and electro-rock culture.

Eventually, Yanni’s travels brought her to New York, where she penned her debut single, “Where Do We Go?,” released last year. Influenced by artists such as Björk, PJ Harvey and Depeche Mode, she found her voice in an electronic rock style, blending haunting melodies with personal lyricism. Now based in Paris, Hen has spent years developing her sonic output, linking up with other musicians and channeling her life experiences into her musical expression.

After releasing several singles and her first EP, Where Do We Go?, Hen Yanni now brings us her most ambitious release to date with her brand new debut full-length record titled Version of you, released via the Animal63 imprint, presenting a 13-track journey through the artist’s past. Version of You is a genre-blurring odyssey that fuses elements of electro-rock, folk, goth and punk with echoes of Nick Cave, Patti Smith and Siouxsie and the Banshees creating a dark yet inviting atmosphere.

Opened by “Before you take off,” an upbeat shuffle of drums and airy synth tone are met with Hen’s soft vocals as she spins poignant lyrics that speak to her younger self, offering a rationalisation about finding comfort in music. Flowing with atmospheric textures and capped by catchy vocal melodies, it’s a delicate yet energising jam that’s at once intimate and memorable.

Lead single “Keep on moving” casts a moody soundscape with subtly haunting synth lines and the laid back rattle of percussion as Hen’s voice threads hushed melodies above carrying lyrics about self acceptance. Developing with pulsing energy and smooth leads, the track builds with shimmering synths and danceable energy to craft a spacey and infectious sound.

The bouncy rhythm of “Splash of love” follows with a mellow vibe of stabbed synths, gentle beats and uplifting vocal lines, further showcasing the range of Hen Yanni’s sound via a playful synth pop outing. Other highlights on the record include songs like “I am” with its deep and immersive arrangement of marching drums and bass tones while Hen’s compelling vocals lay down elegant leads to deliver a slick alternative pop jam.

With “Ready to fight” she offers an empowering song about breaking away from the chains of her heritage, brought to life by a stripped-back arrangement of silky synth fabric and emotive vocal performance. Closing the album with her debut single, “Where do we go?,” the lilting rhythmic sway of the beat and expressive vocals that bend from spoken word style to soulful melodic dashes provides the perfect finale to the artist’s sensational debut record.

Listen to Version of You below