Bay Area punk band Heartsounds are back in Australia currently to promote their latest effort ‘Dualistic Nihilist‘.
A one track, nineteen and a half minute epic ‘Dualistic Nihilist‘ is out now on Creator-Destructor Records.
Whilst in Australia, Heartsounds will play five shows, stopping in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne with guests Nerdlinger.
‘Dualistic Nihilist‘ is not your traditional full-length record, but instead as mentioned a singular near 20 minute long epic – a journey into the depths of mental collapse.
After writing 3 full-length records since the band’s formation in 2009, Heartsounds wanted to challenge themselves with something different – an endeavor more unique and exploratory of uncharted musical territory, combined with the lyrical recreation of a true story revolving around severe mental illness and turmoil.
Sonically, Heartsounds remains true to their roots of ripping fast, melodic punk rock, categorized more specifically by dynamic vocal harmonies, heavy-metal inspired metallic riffs, and tight-knit musicianship. While honoring their past, the band succeeds with venturing into new regions of melody and expression that will surely surprise and please long-time fans of the band.
‘Dualistic Nihilist‘ is certainly a risk, but one that has resulted in the most emotionally and musically expansive record that the band has ever created – a journey that does not repeat itself nor overstay it’s welcome, but instead showcases a refreshing slice of razor-sharp melodic punk rock free of the confines of a traditional album structure.
Pick it up on Bandcamp [Here].
To find out more about it, the band answered our On The Record questions this week.
‘Dualistic Nihilist’ came about after Laura and I had worked on a good amount of the lyrics. Because the 20 minute song is about dealing with bipolar disorder, a manic break, and general existential depression and dread, it seemed like a fitting title.
Tell us about the artwork.
Dave Kloc illustrated the album artwork, as well as our 2013 LP, ‘Internal Eyes’. He’s amazing! We usually give him a general idea of colors we want used, and thematic imagery as relates to the lyrics, and he goes wild with it!
What format/s will it be released on and how will it be packaged?
It was released back in June on Creator-Destructor Records via Digital/Digipak CD/12″ One Sided LP.
Tell us about the studio and why you chose to record there?
We went with our friend Scott Goodrich who records at Nu-Tone Studios in Pittsburgh, CA. Aside from being a close buddy of ours, he is a very talented producer and engineer! We had an awesome time recording “Dualistic Nihilist” with him, it was a really easy process.
Did you go into the writing process with a clear direction in mind?
We knew we wanted to write a 20 minute long song, and we didn’t want any rules. It ended up working out naturally, as our records usually do. It definitely took a while to finish, as there were a lot of personal issues going on that were slowing down the writing process. The record is a lot about that, actually!
Were you listening to anything in particular during the writing / recording process that influenced the songs at all?
I generally listen to a lot of hip hop and heavy metal, so mostly those two genres… But there’s always other influences here and there.
Were there any albums you were referencing in the studio to aim for a certain type of sound production wise?
Not really, we just wanted it to be what it was going to be… If that makes sense? We knew what we wanted to avoid tonally and technical issues like that, but one of the most exciting parts of recording is being surprised by your expectations being challenged!
How long did you spend in the studio recording?
About a week!
Tell us a little about the recording process the band used?
It was the same as it always is – We track the drums, then guitars, then bass, and end with vocals/mixing, etc. Pretty simple for us, I feel lucky about that!
When it comes do naming the tracks, is there any particular approach or process to it all?
Laura and I have to agree on the title, and it always related to the lyrics. That’s about the only approach we use.
Any particular equipment outside your usual live gear used in the process?
Not really!
Any memorable studio moments?
This record was kind of a blur in terms of the tracking, because Trey and I were also recording the new Wilderness Dream EP (our thrash metal band). So we were in the studio for a good stretch of time there… at this point in our career it’s a pretty chill vibe in the studio. It’s only usually one or two people there at a time, so it doesn’t get too wild. Sorry to let you down!
Any additional tracks recorded that didn’t make the cut but may see the light of day sometime?
Not for this record!
What track/s are you most looking forward to playing live?
We play the whole album every night live! It’s exhausting but funnnnn.
How would you compare the final product to previous releases?
It’s a lot better.
Anything else you want to say or about the release?
Check it out creator-destructor.com!
BLOOD SWEAT AND BEERS, CREATOR DESTRUCTOR and BOMBSHELLZINE PRESENT…
HEARTSOUNDS
With guests NERDLINGER
OCTOBER
26th – Crowbar, Brisbane [18+] w/ Friends With The Enemy, Seas Of Valoria
27th – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle [18+] w/ Rort Menace, New Trends, Underachiever
28th – Fusebox, Sydney [18+] w/ Lungs, ebolagoldfish, Idle Threat
29th – The Phoenix, Canberra [18+] w/ The Playbook, Sketch Method, Flash Anthem
30th – Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood [18+] w/ The Playbook, Foxtrot, The Ramshackle Army
—> Tickets available now.
—> For more information, visit [Here].
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