True to their name, Candy Hearts’ music is sweet, gooey and has a similar effect to the sugar high that would be induced by a lorry load of Haribo. Obviously some may find this prospect a little nauseating, but for everyone else with a fully functioning soul switch on ‘All The Ways You Let Me Down’ and prepare to smile.
Candy Hearts’ second album starts off in fantastic fashion with lead single ‘I Miss You’. A foot stomping drum beat intro and lightly distorted muted chords immediately sets a jaunty and upbeat tempo, before breaking out into a big shiny chorus that makes the listener feel even more warm and fuzzy then falling in love with about five of their dream girls (or dudes) at once.
The feel good moments and immaculate, inescapable, super-sized power-pop chorus hooks come thick and fast. ‘The Dream’s Not Dead’ providing a particularly fine early example, with ample helpings of the sort of “oh oh oh ohs” that will be spinning relentlessly around your consciousness for weeks.
Title track ‘All The Ways You Let Me Down’ sees Candy Hearts’ grungier side given a chance to show itself, another unashamedly poppy chorus counterbalanced by jugging open powerchords. Producer Chad Gilbert’s decision to occasionally accentuate the indie and grunge aspects of the band’s sound wisely providing an antidote to the album’s more saccharine moments.
Frontwoman Mariel Loveland’s vocal style and lyrical output never drops below adorably cute and quirky and is at the heart of what makes Candy Hearts so loveable.
’Top Of Our Lungs’ ends proceedings on a high, a shimmery summer pop track, with just a hint of a retro vibe and some well placed guest vocals from producer Gilbert.
Effortlessly charming, endlessly appealing and able to lift even the glummest of moods, ‘All The Ways You Let Me Down’ cements Candy Hearts position as the pop-punk band to watch out for and is the feel good power-pop release of 2014.
4.5/5
‘All The Ways You Let Me Down’ by Candy Hearts is out now on Bridge Nine Records/Violently Happy.
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Words by Dane Wright (@MrDaneWright)
