Hold On To Your Heart
Kiss The Sun, 2021
9/10
Listen to Hold On To Your Heart
A Toronto country rock outfit spearheaded by the guitarist and singer F. Scott, with The Nighthawks, i.e. Jarek ‘Jerry’ Hardy, Justin Clarke, Scotty B. Goode, Tyson Hiseler and Benny ‘The Bearcat’ Arseneau, they deliver a very impressive debut album where outlaw rock’n’roll, blues, Americana and many other influences are part of their genuine formula.
“Everything In” starts the listen with plenty of grit, as soaring guitars and energetic drumming lay the foundation for a heartland rock adventure, and “Hold On To Your Heart” follows with a firm Americana angle that benefits much from Scott’s rugged pipes and Arseneau’s proficient drumming.
Elsewhere, “Outlaws” showcases Hiseler’s versatile playing as the thumping delivery enters anthemic areas, while “Stevie Girl” trims the pace back with country influenced balladry that emits breezy melodies and flowing acoustic guitar. “Those Days” then hits a little harder with a sing-along quality that instantly warrants repeated plays.
Approaching the end, “Rattlesnake No BS Boogie” brings Boots Electric in for the album highlight that bounces and shakes with a wild, buzzing spirit, and “Saddle Up” exits the listen with Goode’s warm lap steel and much beauty accenting the sublime finish.
A record that’s got both stirring intimacy and pounding rock’n’roll, Scott and company know their way around a sparse and poetic number just as they do a rugged cowpunk affair, and this first album has the outfit setting their sights on becoming everyone’s favorite band in the near future.
Travels well with: Wild Earp And The Free For Alls- Dyin’ For Easy Livin’; Ted Russell Kamp- Solitaire