Releasedate: 04-02-2013; Label: Siege of Amida
\nBy: Thorsten Hendriks<\/i><\/small><\/p>\n
Heart in Hand has been in existence since 2008 and they originally come from the Bournemouth\/Southampton, UK. Their music could be classed as melodic hardcore (which they self proclaim) – but I would leave that up to the listener.
\n“Almost There” is Heart in Hand’s second album on the “Siege of Amida Records” label after releasing their debut album “Only Memories” in 2011. However early 2009 Heart In Hand self released a six track debut EP \u201cHeart In Hand\u201d, which was well received by the public, witnessing the number of plays the tracks reached on their MySpace site. <\/p>\n
This new album contains 13 songs and the beginning of the album sounds very promising. The first song is more of an 2 minute intro and doesn’t flow straight into the second track “Almost There” which sounds a quite agressive. This agressive theme continues into the third song “Home\/Sick” and it seems that the musicians are using their band and songs to get rid of potted up frustration and anger.
\nThe album touches on issues that have affected the band and especially their vocalist Charlie Holmes\u2019s personal life. The title of the new album \u2018Almost There\u2019 expresses the bands feelings towards the last year and the progress they have made in their music and friendships. After loosing drummer Duncan Andrews in 2011 Heart In Hand joined up with ex-\u2018The Eyes Of A Traitor\u2019 drummer Sam Brennan who became a fully fledged member of the band and together created this new album. <\/p>\n
The musical arrangement of the songs on this album is very well written and composed but unfortunately singer Charlie Holmes ruins it for me. His singing is merely shouting in anger and it is virtually inaudible what the words are. On all the songs he sounds the same, surely he can do much more with his voice?
\nSong 4 “Vows” is a bit of an interlude and starts really soft and mellow until you abruptly are taken to song 5 “Sleeping Alone” where the loud guitars and drums take over as well as the singer’s voice – this trend continues for the next 7 songs. The last song “Latter” again is quite tranquil and instrumental. <\/p>\n
Heart In Hand went out on tour in Europe with “Miss May I”, “Bleed From Within” and “Texas In July” in December 2012, following this up with a headline album release tour early 2013. <\/p>\n
Line up:<\/strong>
\nCharlie Holmes – Vocals
\nCarl Martin – Bass
\nEd Hartwell – Guitar
\nOllie Wilson – Guitar
\nSam Brennan – Drums <\/p>\n