Artist: Heartsounds
Album: Drifter
Label: Epitaph

Despite last year’s Until We Surrender being a thorough punk rock release it ultimately looked like it didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Whilst Heartsounds could potentially changed their sound to fit the current DIY pop-punk resurgence, they have thankfully stick to their guns to provide and an exuberant punk rock record. Drifter picks up where Until We Surrender left off; fast-paced punk rock anthems with a melodic undertone. However as opening tracks “Every Second Counts” and “Unconditional” show, the guitars are thicker and sharper this time round and add a dense sound. Whilst there are moments like “Elements” where the band genuinely “up the tempo” as Trey Derbes’ drum work is frantic and holds up the bands straight up punk rock approach.

On the whole Drifter is more hard hitting and energetic record that more or less doesn’t leave any space to breathe; from the strong riffs in “Race To The Bottom” to the screeching, heavy guitars on “Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Open.”

Whilst once again the duel male-female work from Ben Murray and Laura Nichol is pulled off brilliantly well but unlike ‘Until We Surrender’ isn’t heard as often, instead with the pair share lead vocals throughout. On ‘Echo’ Nichol’s raspy voice adds a sense calm to the bands mid-tempo instrumentals and overall mix well together. Whereas on “Race To The Bottom” Murray’s raw vocals adds to bands sound and fits their approach. Nevertheless both Murray and Nichol define the bands sound throughout and compliment each other.

Although Drifter comes off being a tight, fast-paced punk rock record, you feel by the end that it lacks longevity that Until We Surrender had but this is likely to be part of the punk rock territory; the potential to expand is limited and challenging. Nevertheless Drifter does prove to be consistent throughout and for fans it will more than satisfy them. It’s a worthy follow up that is energetic and ultimately deserves to be played loud.

SCORE: 7/10
Review written by: Sean Reid

Drifter by Heartsounds was released on July 28 through Epitaph Records.

• Author
• Recent Posts

James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

Latest posts by James Shotwell (see all)

• 2015’s Most Underrated Films - December 29, 2015
• Passing The Torch: The End Of An Era For UTG - December 1, 2015
• UTG PREMIERE: Before The Streetlights – “Private Browser” - November 26, 2015