True story: I almost crashed my car this morning because the streets were a sheet of ice.
I was probably driving too fast, but that is not the point.
As I applied the brakes, my car just kept sliding right towards Brookpark Rd. with speed as oncoming traffic continued moving. I lucked out at the last possible moment and was able to drift my car sideways to avoid crashing into anyone or anything.
So what the hell does this have to do with this album review you ask?
Well, as I sat there sideways at the edge of the intersection, I felt grateful that I was going to be able to get to work on time and listen to the new Heart Attack Man. I’m quite serious about this – I planned on checking it out as soon as I got to my paying gig.
Cleveland’s Heart Attack Man originally was a solo project of guitarist/vocalist Eric Egan that soon turned into a band once Adam Paduch of Two Hand Fools took on drumming duties. The duo specializes in creating catchy ass jams that carries equal amounts of alternative rock and indie rock.
Released on Triple Crown Records, The Manson Family is Heart Attack Man’s debut full-length. Full of modern day struggles, the album refuses to hold back.
I knew I was in for something good the moment I heard opening track “Burn Down The Mall”. Even though the tune was catchy like something Brand New might dish out, the song itself was just dark and melancholy.
“Sitting On the Fringe” was an anthem of just being fed up with everyone and everything while “Life Sucks” was an emo downward spiral, but damn it sounded so good. “Cut Off At The Knees” also had this defeated sense of humbleness throughout.
“Surrounded By Morons” really reminded me of a long forgotten 90s band, King Missile, due to the singing style alone. The song was a literal opinion about living in over-populated cities. The music that backed it was overly impressive with plenty of fuzz and riffs for all to enjoy.
“Taking Sides” easily was one of my favorite songs on the album. A personable jam that I really can say I could relate to over and over. “Funhouse Mirrors” was another track I found myself getting into.
“Cool Kids Table” closed things down with a Weezer-like similarity, but far less sweet and innocent. This song made me want to drown my sorrows in the cheapest beer possible. The best part of this track was the sarcastic screams where you clearly can hear the frustration. The more I think about it, this was probably my favorite cut off the album.
Heart Attack Man are one of the most exciting up and coming Cleveland bands out there right now in my opinion. Sure, you’ve probably heard this statement so many times from everyone and their mother about every band out there, but have a listen of The Manson Family and I’m sure you’ll understand why I hold such high regard.
It’s not a happy album, but it is catchy and begs to be replayed over and over.