dead black hearts

Detroit may be known for their production of cars but the city of Austin, Texas seems to have a production line of their own, making a steady stream of cool bands for the public's pleasure and with Dead Black Hearts they have possibly made a classic model.

"The Southern Front" is officially an EP but at 7 tracks long it comes close to being a full blown album. It has a chilled out indie rock vibe throughout with beautifully written lyrics harmonically sung.

The band's talent is there for all to see, no pretentious over the top production, just pure genius from the opening of the uber cool 'Ambush!' to the closing of '5 to 9', which thankfully is not a back to front cover of Dolly Parton's song. All seven tracks have been crafted together with such style that there's not a single one that weakens the EP. Just begs the question, why not add a couple others and make it that full blown album.

The quintet are signed up to Monolathe records, who seem to be gaining a reputation of hand picking the best up and coming bands around. - Room Thirteen

New music was coming my way from the Monolathe Recordings' camp, their second big release after STEREO IS A LIE's debut album in February of this year. The band I'm talking about is called dead black hearts and hail from Austin, Texas. I've been listening to their second EP "The Southern Front" constantly ever since it got into my inbox and after the third spin I already found myself singing along to them. That's a great sign and I'm well excited. It turns out that most of the songs on their new release are just as haunting as their song "Failure" from their first EP "Five Gallant Steeds". Still, a progress from the first EP to the next becomes apparent in terms of song structure, harmonies, and earworm potential.

The physical release of "The Southern Front" will be on the shelves on August 23rd in the States and will be available as import everywhere else.
As far as I'm aware, they haven't got any deal or license for outside of the US, so if you happen to be as excited about their stuff as I am and know of a way to support them, please get in touch with their record label.

Have a listen to their EP "The Southern Front" here:
Songs that I recommend you should listen to: Ambush! & Postcard From Somewhere Cold (I just love those time-changes).

- This is Twee

Dead Black Hearts - The Southern Front EP
Released at the end of August, this EP just oozes cool classy indie rock throughout. But that should not be surprising being signed up to Monolathe Records, one of those smaller labels that seem to have a perfect strike rate.

-Neil Richardson
- Room Thirteen

The Dead Black Hearts are five young lads from Austin, Texas with a multitude of influences ranging from punk to experimental to Americana to jangle pop - I wish I could reveal their identities and their respective instruments to afford credit where credit is due however it seems as if the concise and informative "press release," among some imprints, has become a lost art (according to Facebook they are Brian, Reid, Austin, Aaron, James).

DBH's singer may remind some of you older folks of a fresh faced Wayne Coyne at times by way of his nasal, high-pitched delivery. Yet the rhythm section is far from progressive, opting to lay down a heavy, almost plodding backdrop which actually works given their simple compositions. "Spit Shine" melds angelic harmonies and church bells with blotto fuzz guitar motifs and honky-tonk piano - go figure! Don't let those hand-claps and acapella vocals at the onset of "How To Win An Argument" fool you - by the time the first verse kicks in you'd think Joy Division came bursting through the door. The Neanderthal bass intro to "Ambush!" is the stuff of Goth glory, however the singer's command of a strong hook in the chorus provides much needed pop relief. 'Twould have been nice if DBH fleshed this set out to a full album.

Highly recommended for Arcade Fire, Flaming Lips, Bright Eyes fans. Who are these guys again?

--Tom Semioli
- Amplifier Magazine

We think the dead black hearts release could wind up on at least one best of list by the year's end, specifically mine. This is an extremely strong debut and I wish we had time to play every track. Remember the name dead black hearts.

-David Brown from KUT's Texas Music Matters - KUT Texas Music Matters

http://texasmusicmatters.kut.org/2009/02/16/dead-black-hearts-pseudo/

Feb 16th, 2009 • Category: ACL Song of the Day

Dead Black Hearts (a nice name to feature after the long Valentine’s Day weekend, right?) is a local band that fits squarely into the modern indie-rock scene. With clear nods to Radiohead and Wolf Parade, this five piece crafts ethereal rock and roll with smart melodies.

Dead Black Hearts‘ latest EP is called Five Gallant Steeds. Today’s song of the day is a tune off that collection. It’s called ‘Pseudo’. - Texas Music Matters