Album Review: Heart To Heart - Deathproof EP

Ten years ago, a type of release like ‘Deathproof’ probably wouldn’t have seen the light of day. However with the revival of vinyl as a viable format and the growth of the internet, three track slices of music are easier to come by. Heart To Heart have utilized the change in the market to their advantage, releasing a small sample of what the band is capable of in the hope of whetting appetites for the inevitable full-length, something that they have achieved, with some style.

California's Heart To Heart are able to do enough across the three tracks to prevent themselves being pigeonholed, but also maintain an air of character that give the EP a fluidity. ‘Requiem’ and ‘Recollections’ are songs that borrow from the Daylight/Make Do & Mend school of melodic punk. ‘Requiem’ is the stronger of the two tracks, starting as a full-on gruff punk onslaught, and then slowly deteriorating into a scream-till-your-hoarse angry, yet melodic melee. ‘Recollections’ is a more restrained and atmospheric track. Like, its predecessor, it is driven by gravelly vocals, but the guitar work is more measured, and the inclusion of a rousing sound bite adds to the overall feeling of the song.

‘Deathproof’ is rounded off with the hook-laden, modern pop-punk blast that is ‘Lessons’. Armed with the brilliant bridge of “I’m face to face with all my problems, and it’s time I f’in solved them.” Heart To Heart give an assured lesson in crafting a perfect pop punk gem. It says a lot about the band that they switch genre with seeming ease. Admittedly, it isn’t quite the same as switching from reggae to death metal, but the way the band shifts its sound is still impressive.

This is a little slither of a band demonstrating their capabilities in stylish fashion. If Heart To Heart can produce a full-length that is full of songs this good, they will soon start falling into people’s favorite bands lists.

5/5

‘Deathproof’ out now on Anchor Eighty Four Records.

Dan Issitt