HAIDEN HENDERSON’S ‘TENSION’ IS READY TO MAKE YOU SWEAT
Haiden Henderson’s latest project, tension, is an eight-track EP delivering even more than its title suggests—tension is boldly sensual, romantically obsessive, and by Henderson’s own admission, “dangerously honest.” Over infectious club beats and hazy guitars, Henderson further refines the alternative pop sound that has become his signature. Over the course of its 21-minute runtime, the EP unfolds like a chronological soundtrack to the buildup and unraveling of a relationship, plunging us into chaos, lust, and emotional fallout.
The opener, “one track mind,” is an immediate hook with cheeky lyrics and clever pop-culture references. Primed for virality, this track is dripping with Y2K-flavored production that will teleport you to the nearest dance floor. The opening track is hungry and obsessive, with a narrative of infatuation and romantic chase that transitions seamlessly into “lovesucker,” in which the object of Henderson’s affections has been obtained, but at what cost?
Finally comes “sweat” which quickly emerged as one of Henderson’s biggest hits after being released as a single last September, and for good reason. Its pulsing beat and provocative lyrics practically possess listeners, evoking the rush of losing yourself under hot lights or in a packed club. Despite the undeniable success of “sweat,” its follow-up, “lips” which is a direct nod to one of Henderson’s best and most recognizable features, flirts with becoming the breakout track of the EP with a chorus as addictive as it is blush-worthy.
Moving into a lighter production sound, “sweet tooth” marks a tonal shift in the EP as Henderson asks for clarity from his love interest, acknowledging a few wrongdoings over the course of their relationship. “AA” builds on this, opening with a dreamlike guitar and echoing vocals, the *tension* growing before snapping into a blend of confrontation and confession. In this track—my personal favorite off of the EP—Henderson likens a toxic love to a substance and addiction he can’t kick, pointing an accusatory finger at his love interest for their selfish and volatile behavior.
From here, Henderson begins to say goodbye to his lover with “good TV,” stripping things back with an acoustic guitar and weary vocals as he picks apart the imbalance of their dynamic, describing himself “waitin’ like a dog for you to come home to me,” and hoping the love affair was more than a fleeting form of entertainment, or as Henderson puts it, “good TV.”
When we finally reach the end with the EP’s title track “tension,” Henderson returns us to the up-tempo sound we began with in a sonically full-circle moment. But this time, among gritty guitars and heavy production, we find him bitter and brimming with angst. The passion-fueled obsession of “one track mind” has unraveled into disillusionment. As he sings, “best friend to a lover to a ghost,” we reflect on the journey of a relationship/situationship built on push and pull. In the end, Henderson concedes, “tension’s all I know.”
tension is a dynamic EP and Haiden Henderson’s most emotionally charged project to date, living up to its name through obsession, heartbreak, and undeniably infectious songs that are ready for your next car karaoke session. Fans who snagged tickets will get the chance to sing along live as Henderson continues his headline debut with THE TENSION TOUR, which kicked off last week and is hitting venues across America through the end of August. Whether you’re streaming at home or screaming front row, it’s time to give in to the tension and give in to tension.
