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Renee Heartfelt is a sort of ex-hardcore supergroup. Of
course, it is a supergroup consisting of members of bands that
I have also never heard of, and probably never will, other than
this. We're talking about former members of hardcore bands Striking
Distance, Count Me Out, and Give Up The Ghost [American
Nightmare]. What a pedigree that is.
All smartassedness aside, Renee Heartfelt make that kind of music
that borders on hard rock and heavy metal and art rock all at
once. Like a kinder, gentler Tool, or a more emo Soundgarden.
Thick guitars and heavy rhythms are the defining thing for this
band. The singer is powerful at times, very emotive, and it's
a bit unfortunate that there are times when his voice can't live
up to the passion it produces. But, this is enjoyable upbeat rock
music with a punky edge, and some great guitar playing.
The music invokes different memories at different moments. At
times, I am reminded of 80's rockers The Outfield ("La
Seine") and then other times Big Wreck comes to mind
("Windowside"). The lyrics are a bit of their own conundrum,
at times very poetic and then adversely forsaking poetry and compensating
with a brilliant literate sense. "Picasso" is a perfect
example of odd poetry mixed with literacy: "Days. They have
their way with you. Pain. It knows you well. You'd rather kneel
than stand you'd rather run than fight. You'll fade out slow and
I'll burn out bright…"
I tend to stay away from this type of music… the hardcore/metal/punk/edgey
rock stuff. But, this five songs from Renee Heartfelt is truly
welcome to my ears and stands out as a nice change in the genre.
Lyrics that are sensible and understandable, music that is heavy
without being overly abrasive, and a very well developed melodic
and poetic sense. Well done, boys.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Mary Magdalene
2. The Melodramatic
3. Windowside
4. La Seine
5. Picasso
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