Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Hearts and Hand Grenades is a new up and coming hard rock band releasing their full-length album Between the Lines. Fronted by Stephanie Wlosinki on vocals and bass guitar, Hearts and Hand Grenades is soaring through the hardcore scene with a heavy yet refreshing new sound and moving lyrics. Earlier this year, the band released their debut album Turning to Ashes, and already they’re back with something brand new.
Toughing it out as the opening track, “Scream it Out,” is a tight and savage rock bop for fans of the genre who are ready to ‘scream it out’ at shows as live music returns this year. Wlosinki’s gravelly wails gives the song the edge needed to stand tall in the hard rock scene, with impressive guitar solos bringing the music to life.
Following “Scream it Out,” is “Black Sunset,” another head-banger worthy of acknowledgement. The chorus rings out, ‘it’s not a way out, the black sunset is hiding all your demons,’ in a thought-provoking yet catchy melody that’s contagious to sing along to. The album’s title track “Between the Lines,” comes in at number three, with savage notes and clever lyrics which Wlosinki spits out like wildfire, harsh and blazing, highlighting the passion which echoes throughout the rest of the album.
“Tragedy,” the heart-pumping fifth track gives off a western-style intro with old-school punkish guitar solos (credit to Mike Bress and Kenny Blesy on lead and rhythm guitar).
“Beautiful Pain,” shows off Wlosinky’s vocal range in an emotional display of softer tones and grittier anthemic wails, often switching between both throughout the song. “Beautiful Pain” is an adventure, in similar fashion to how old folk and country tunes may tell a story within. Darker melodies are invaded by heavy bass and metal-influenced riffs to create a stirring ballad.
Track seven comes off as the black sheep of the album, with opening notes reminiscent of early 2000’s pop-punk which is heard throughout the song. “Bad Medicine,” blends in with the rest of the band’s hard rock style soon enough, even giving one of the most engaging guitar solos on Between the Lines, although if you’re looking to be more impressed, the ferocious solo in ‘Wait’ takes it a step further.
“Moonlight,” is the album’s final track, an admirable conclusion to a fiery concept of an album. Starting off slow and entrancing, “Moonlight” includes hypnotic instrumentals combined with vocals full of longing and power. Halfway through, the music picks up the pace as if ready to throw out another head-banging bop only to bring it back down to a simmering conclusion.
Hearts and Hand Grenades gives fans a masterpiece of an album showcasing various styles and ranges that not many artists can pull off. Between the Lines digs into heavy hard rock and metal concepts while stirring in hints of other genres such as punk and blues. With live music making a rapid comeback this year, it’ll be exciting to hear how some of these tracks take on another life in live performances. Between the Lines is full of bangers to excite both young and old rock fans in a fresh new scene.
Written by I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Alice Kearney
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