Cut Off Your Hands formed in
Auckland in 2006 under the name Shaky Hands. Vocalist Nick Johnston, guitarist Michael Ramirez, bassist Philip Hadfield and drummer Brent Harris were previously in Auckland post-punk act
Nova Echo along with Djeisan Suskov. When that band broke up, Johnston formed a new band called Shaky Hands and enlisted Hadfield, Harris and Ramirez. Owing to a
Portland band of the same name they changed their name to Cut Off Your Hands (the original title of their debut EP). The name change saw them lose a pre-booked performance on a children's show in the process. The band released a number of EPs and in 2008 released their debut album
You & I which reached number 21 on the
New Zealand music charts and received generally favourable reviews internationally. In 2009, Michael Ramirez left the band, being replaced by Jonathan Lee. Drummer Brent Harris was forced to take leave from the band due to hearing loss, being replaced by Elroy Finn so that touring could continue in 2009. Harris subsequently rejoined the band at a later date. In 2011, the band released their follow-up album
Hollow. Reception was generally favourable, with critics praising their sound maturing while retaining the energy of their debut. In 2020, the band announced the release of their third album, named
HLLH. At the same time, they announced they would be playing their final concerts in October 2020. ==Band members==