There’s just something to be said about hearing an album that brings back great amounts of angst from 20+ years ago.
Sure, we really don’t care to remember when some of the jocks in high school threatened to kick your ass because you were different. We sure as hell don’t want to think about how pissed off it made you and how you held your ground and prepared to fight back only for them to say they were just kidding. That never happens to anyone right?
Fake Blood by Cleveland’s very own Heart Attack Man had no problem digging into my hippocampus and ripping out crippling episodes in life offering for a retrospect on how they shaped me. That right there is exactly what Fake Blood encompassed from start to finish for this listener.
This sophomore album has been on my radar for months now ever since singer / guitarist Eric Egan and drummer extraordinaire Adam Paducah made mention of finishing up recording. Add to the fact that one of the friendliest guys I know, Ty Sickels, is part of this incredible band and one might just called me jaded when it comes to talking about this act. Pals or not, this bad rips and I know I am not the only who thinks that.
With riffs that reach all the way back to the 90s “Fake Blood” started off things off with a fierce, intense track that was catchy as hell. You know you are in for something excellent when the first track immediately gets stuck in your head.
Not trying to sound cliché, but “Blood Blister” brought me back to some awkward teen years of mine when music was my crutch and most folk were my enemy. Egan’s directness complimented my own thoughts when things just didn’t go my way and you bet your ass I never let it go.
“Out For Blood” is a vindictive jam that will instantly take over your good day and put you in a savage mood. The kids are going to love this one, i know it.
“Moths in a Lampshade” strayed away from the others in a good way. This was that kind of track you listen to at 3am when driving in the middle of nowhere trying to just grab ahold of yourself.
Hands down the best track was “Cut My Losses.” It wasn’t a love song and it sure as hell wasn’t a song about moving on peacefully. This track’s raw emotion succeeded most of the ill-will I have ever had for someone that’s ever threatened me. Egan is a total bad ass on this track and when they are ready to do a music video for it, it best be him walking away from an explosion without looking back.
“Sugar Coated” wasn’t nice at all and that’s perfectly fine by me. This track pretty much could have fueled my worst years as a teen all while begging to be sung along with.
Fake Blood easily is going to be one of my favorite releases in 2019. This Cleveland band is beyond talented and I really see big things happening to them especially if they continue to just kick ass and forget names. They have been doing things their way and honestly, I think it’ll work out just fine.
Do not sit on this band. That’s my advice to you. You’ve been warned.