Review Summary: You know exactly what they are
Candy Hearts are:
Mariel Loveland (Vocals, guitar)
Kris Hayes (Guitar)
Matthew Ferraro (Bass)
New Yorkers Candy Hearts are not newcomers to the music scene, nor is their sound; they already have two full-length records out and have toured with acts such as New Found Glory and Man Overboard. What finally brings the group into the spotlight is their new home on NFG frontman Chad Gilbert’s label Violently Happy/Bridge 9 records. This EP is their first release in the new family. Produced by Gilbert himself, The Best Ways To Disappear does not envelop a new sound out of Candy Hearts, nor does it invent a new ground-breaking genre, but rather the EP works as a bigger pedestal to showcase what the band already does so well: Pop-punk reminiscent of 90s bands, covered in lots of sugar, sprinkles, and with a cherry on top.
The first track, and first single, “Bad Idea” is a perfect display of what Candy Hearts are all about; lyrics that are both romantic and reflective, backed by fast and loud instrumentation. Power chords are the head-honcho of The Best Ways To Disappear, but the drums really take the spotlight, as they normally did in 90s pop-punk. A good example of this combination is the second track on the EP, “Matchbox Car”, which boasts some very impressive drumming (particularly in the second verse) and lyrics such as: I wear my loneliness like an old t-shirt / that doesn’t really fit me. / I can’t say your name like it’s a curse / and I’ll jinx something.
What some may see as the obligatory acoustic number about screwing the standard, “Sick of It” really turns out to be the highlight of the EP. The chorus sings: Take off your glasses, raise your fists / and tell the world you’re sick of it. / You know exactly what they are / and you don’t have to feel like this anymore. The band joins in near the end of the song in anthemic fashion which will surely be a fan-favorite at live shows.
Overall, maybe it’s true that this EP is full of lyrics you’ve heard before, power chords that are not innovative, and short songs that don’t really have any experimental qualities that make jaws drop. But what this band does have is charm, and they use it with significant effectiveness to win their listeners over. Candy Hearts are a band to check out – and not only because they have a gorgeous lead singer, but because they have talent, charm, and catchy tunes.
Top Tracks:
Bad Idea
Sick of It
