Artist: NEEDTOBREATHE
Single: “The Heart”
Album: Rivers In The Wasteland

Over the last decade NEEDTOBREATHE have blazed a path entirely their own through the often trouble-laden world of alternative rock. Having proven themselves in the Christian marketplace with early releases, the group saw their last album toe the line with mainstream radio play while the band performed nightly to crowds ever-increasing in size. Now, having spent the better part of 2013 recording in between tours, the members of NEEDTOBREATHE are trying to have a bit more fun with their next release, and earlier this week the album’s first single found its way online.

Kicking off with acoustic guitar and the soft-spoken counting of frontman Bear Rhinehart, “The Heart” welcomes NEEDTOBREATHE fans to the newest evolution of the band with a hearty helping of folk-pop that could very easily be confused for The Lumineers or similar top 40 indie acts. The lyrics talk about taking time to appreciate the life you’ve been given, to make time for all the tiny-yet-amazing elements that make up this crazy thing called existence, and it all comes neatly wrapped in a celebratory chorus of “oh-oh” rapturous enough to rival any Coachella newcomer.

Like many bands who have made the transition from a mainly religious following to one more mainstream before them NEEDTOBREATHE have refined the art of instilling the themes and messages of their faith in more secular ways. The life they want you to celebrate in “The Heart” is a simple and honest one, preferably lived with the person you care about most in the world. It’s just wholesome enough to make your mom feel good, but still catchy enough to inspire adults at various stages of inebriation to sing-along (in and out tune) at shows worldwide.

Beyond the lyrics, the music element of “The Heart” could not be more trendy if it were featured in upcoming ad for Bing. It’s a foot-stomping, hoot-and-holler folk jam session complete that’s a cowbell sample away from foraying into the world of country, but still somehow manages to hook you like that latest concoction from Dr. Luke’s funhouse of songwriters. There’s a part of me that wants to hate it solely because it’s so in line with what is currently dominating the charts, but when you consider how the band changed over the last two albums it makes perfect sense. Tracks like “Drive All Night” and “Devil’s Been Talkin” featured elements of this sound, and now “The Heart” brings it front and center.

I think it’s far too early to assume Rivers In The Wasteland will be as pop heavy as “The Heart,” but I do think it’s safe to say NEEDTOBREATHE have a brighter outlook on the future than they have on previous releases. Bear told Paste the band wanted to create a record that had more fun in it and that is exactly what is on display throughout this single.

Let go of your pre-conceived notions of what NEEDTOBREATHE are supposed to be and embrace who they are now. It’s different, yes, but it’s ultimately for the best.

Written by: James Shotwell Follow @utgjames

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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.

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