Upon hearing the Exploding Hearts' music, one might be forgiven for assuming that the band formed in 1977 London rather than 2001 Eugene, Oregon. Mining the early punk-meets-power-pop of the Undertones, the Clash, early Jam, and the Stiff Records sound, the young quartet was as loud, brash, tuneful, and energetic as its idols. After releasing the debut album GUITAR ROMANTIC, the combo began touring heavily and quickly garnered a rabid West Coast fan base. Seemingly on the verge of breaking out nationally, tragedy struck in July, 2003 when the Exploding Hearts' van crashed en route from a gig, killing three members and ending the young group's promising career. The singles and out-takes compilation SHATTERED was released in 2006.
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The Exploding Hearts Artist Snapshot:Product Description
Run a Quick Search on "Guitar Romantic" by The Exploding Hearts to Browse Related Products:Browse more products related to "Guitar Romantic"Browse more products related to "The Exploding Hearts"ReviewMagnet (11/03, p.92) - "...Classic hooks, simply played, with the gleam of youth still glowing in the collective eye of the players..." Title NoteAt first glance, the Exploding Hearts seem like mere revivalists. From the pink and yellow cover to their 1977 looks to their influences, it would be easy to dismiss them. But you need to hold the phone a minute and listen, because the Exploding Hearts are the best punk band to come along in a long time, maybe since the original wave. About those influences, here is a partial list: the early Clash if Mick Jones wrote all the songs and the Only Ones or Buzzcocks at their emotional best, but also classic power pop sounds like a (much) tougher Rubinoos, rock & roll like a tighter and sober New York Dolls, and the lo-fi approach of Billy Childish. Guitar Romantic is an amazingly raw and melodic debut, fully realized and original despite the obvious debt to the punk past. It is difficult to pinpoint just what it is about the band that helps overcome their idol worship. Maybe it is the love and authenticity that they pour into the worship, the raw production that smashes the guitars and bass into a whirling mess of tuneful noise, or the wonderfully tough but tender vocals. Most likely it is the songwriting. Too many bands that seek to re-create a sound or an era don't have the tunes to back it up. Not the Hearts. Every song on Guitar Romantic makes a bid to be the best on the album: "I'm a Pretender" is a jaunty kick in the head, "Sleeping Aides & Razorblades" is an ultra-catchy doo wop-inspired ballad with a brilliant guitar line, "Thorns in Roses" is a rollicking '50s-influenced ballad, "Throwaway Style" melds a lovelorn lyric to a Motown beat (the same one the Strokes heisted for "Last Nite") to great effect. There isn't a weak song here, not a single one that isn't on par with the best punk-pop. If you don't have this album and have even the slightest affinity for poppy punk rock or punky pop/rock, you are missing out on something special. ~ Tim Sendra If You Enjoy "Guitar Romantic (CD)", May We Also Recommend:Customer Reviews for "Guitar Romantic (CD)" by The Exploding Hearts (Artist)There are no customer reviews yet. Be the first to write a review! Explore More Great Tower Sales & Specials
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