Relic Hearts –Volatile
Tracklist:
- Transjenner
- Bridges
- The Ugly Truth
- Bloodhound for Oblivion
- Halfway to Paradise
- Lie to Me
- Static (Interlude)
- Devil
- Volatile
- The Moment
Relic Hearts, an American rock band from Pennsylvania, have just dropped their very first debut album, Volatile (produced by Jesse Lawson and Stetson Whitworth), and they sure came in with a bang! Filled with melodic clean vocals by Jonnie Baker, snazzy drum beats by Dirk Taylor, groovy guitar rhythms Aaron Bossinger, and bass by Nick Walter, this album is one that should be on the charts, there’s surely a song for everyone to rock out to!
Starting out the album is track “Transjenner”. Instrumentally, the track is featured with a medium tempo drum pattern throughout that will have anyone air-drumming away, along with fast paced guitar to compliment it. Lyrically, it speaks of becoming a better human for their surroundings and learning from past mistakes, a song that everyone can relate to.
Towards the middle of the album, “Halfway to Paradise” has to be a standout track, not only a huge hit as the band’s single release as a teaser for the album, it was also the song that the band released as their entry for the Ernie Ball Play Warped Tour 2016 competition. Instrumentally, the vocals in the beginning have that smooth, electric feeling, then the guitar and strong drum beat kick in. Lyrically, the person is trying to decide what’s best for his inner self, to flee or stay, to continue or give up, a path most of us have experienced more than once. Further down the album is a fan favorite entitled “Devil”, with an instrumental tune similar to the Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream commercial with it’s eerie melody and vocals. Featuring chimes in the background, mixing with a slow tempo drum pattern and repeating guitar strumming, along with a lyrical aspect of angels and devils and how someone looks so pure, like an angel, and it only makes the darker side worse, and hiding the worst parts of someone.
Closing out the album is the acoustic-drum melody, “The Moment”, which speaks of breaking free and finding the moment of freedom, possibly between a relationship, and finding meaning in the world. Overall, the album is very well composed and throughout, and this band can be seen going very far; this is truly just a start for them.
