This week, I wanted to share with y’all another potent release that made its way to my inbox recently. This time it’s an EP from The Hereticks, an unsigned fourpiece originally formed out of West Campus. The EP, Causes, marks The Hereticks’ debut recording and it’s definitely promising. Frantic rhythms and intricate guitar work stand out and entice you to cut loose, while soaring vocals and guitar effects build their sound to epic levels.
Upon first listen to this EP, I was initially turned off by the slow intro and immediate falsetto‘d vocals on the first track of the album. Yet, after about a minute into the first song, (also the title track) The Hereticks picked up the pace with some intriguing syncopated rhythms and riffs and reeled me back in. Although The Hereticks’ sound is definitely varied from track to track, the overall pop and jangle rock tone is reminiscent of Vampire Weekend to me. However, the four piece definitely interweave some prog rock epicness into the EP. Listen to the conclusion of the 3rd track, “I’ve Got No Clue” for an example.
Throughout Causes, the group makes great use of guitar effects which allow them to really vary up the typical guitar sound. You’ll hear reverb, delay, harmonics and more. Despite this, my favorite track on the EP was somewhat clean as far as the effects go. Titled “It Takes Time,” the second track on Causes had me hitting repeat. With this song, the group brings us a danceable jangle rock tune with intriguing verses and a great breakdown. Take a listen to it below.
Hereticks - 'It Takes Time'Check out the full release at The Hereticks’ Bandcamp page here or check them out tonight at the Hole in the Wall. They’ll be playing with Patch, Dog Gone Dead and Wiccit. I’m going to be keeping look out for new releases from The Hereticks and am looking forward to seeing where they take their sound next.
– Dan