Steam Train Hearts – Despair (2020)
Take Neil Young and smash him into Psychedelic Furs, Ash and Dinosaur Jr., then you have some idea of Steam Train Hearts sound. Indie-rock with sprinklings of alternative rock and grunge, Steam Train Hearts is a sonic bomb waiting to explode…but a good sonic bomb with a good explosion.
Despite being formed by singer-songwriter Wallace Dietz as a project to play shows, Steam Train Hearts moved away from its original purpose when Bruce Smith joined the group on lead and rhythm guitars. Having previously performed in various bands, Dietz with The Silent Boys and Smith with Dismal Swamp Lords, the duo merged their experiences in different genres with different styles to create a new, exciting sound. Add Kyle Hermann on bass and Blee Child on drums and you have a foursome ready to rock your socks off! The latest addition tot heir discography is ‘Despair’
The second single off their upcoming debut album Smoke & Cinder, ‘Despair’ is a follow up to the well-received ‘Seed Change’. Using the concept of perseverance in hopeless situations, ‘Despair’ is a rather poignant and relatable track in the world’s current state (y’know, with the pandemic and all). Combining melancholic and sombre lyrics over an energetic melody, Steam Train Hearts provides a lively track with a serious message.
A guitar-driven track with steady drums and dynamic vocals, ‘Despair’ is a seamless melding of forceful instrumentation with some effortless singing thrown on top. Dietz’ unique, throaty vocals are superbly accompanied by striking guitar riffs throughout the song. Despite being a rather serious single, the fiery and somewhat frenzied melody, ‘Despair’ is a wonderful steam train straight through the heart.
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