Bring Me The Hearts

Bring Me The Hearts is a debut album by the four-piece band self-described as “soul and folk from Manchester.” The lineup includes Aoife Hearty on vocals, Huw Jacobs on guitar, Matt Ryan on drums, and Joe Tatton on keyboards, with all members contributing to additional vocals and harmonies.

The album opens with “Watersigns,” a mid-tempo track featuring strummed guitar chords, subtle synth parts, light piano, and Aoife’s uplifting lyrics. It is followed by “Swampy,” which begins with warm piano chords and soulful drumming, showcasing effective chord changes that are likely to resonate well in live performances.

“Together Again” stands out as a personal favourite, noted for its soulful, 1970s-influenced melody and Rhodes electric piano licks. It is expected to be appreciated by DJs in a bar setting. The B-side track “Too Much Time” is another soulful piece with engaging storytelling and vocal phrasing by Aoife Hearty. The downtempo “Good to Know,” reminiscent of early Zero 7, also adds to the album’s appeal.

While this review focuses on the soulful aspects of the album, acknowledging that the writer’s exposure to folk is limited, the music displays a distinct soulfulness with jazz influences and some successful solos. The limited vinyl release, with only 200 copies pressed, will appeal to collectors. Although Bring Me The Hearts may offer a unique blend for soul and jazz enthusiasts, it contains noteworthy tracks and is worth exploring.