Part Yo La Tengo, part Pixies, part The Hold Steady, the new single from the Queens-and-Brooklyn-based indie outfit The Human Hearts is an anthem in waiting. Fronted by veteran indie rock scenester Franklin Bruno, the band is soon to release their 4th album and their first for New Jersey’s Dromedary Records. Still In Error is the lead single, and it’s not hard to see why. Instantly affable and eminently catchy (whilst still being incredibly arty and punky – crucially), it’s infectious in the best possible way.
The combination of parts is just right here, with percussionist Matt Houser leading the line. His steady pounding rhythm keeps the song chugging along like a steaming locomotive – with the piercing guitars acting as the train’s whistle and the frontman’s distinct vocal playing the role of conductor.
With an impressive combination of phenomenal rock n roll pedigree (across the band’s members, they have worked with a number of lauded artists from Cat Power to Craig Finn) and expertly channelling old school pioneers like The Velvet Underground, Television, The Replacements, and Wire, Still In Error will live long in the memory some time after the last tub has been thumped.
It’s also worth mentioning the rather charming video (directed by Scott Jacobson of The Daily Show, Bob’s Burgers, and more), which sees the frontman learn to ride a bike at the ripe old age of 57. Beautiful stuff. Be sure to check it out.
The Human Hearts will be playing at the Monongahela Pop Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in early October. A New York record release show in late September/early October will be announced soon, along with other East Coast dates. Keep ’em peeled.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
