A new EP release from Heart Shaped Zombie delivers a very progressive and dark-edged alternative rock to tonality and as they do this the storylines sort of unravel so you easily become engulfed and a lot of the layers that this record has to offer.
The Falling Forward EP is packed with this deepening sort of character to it and it all has a great blend of a soul and an edginess that come together seamlessly and in turn give you an atmosphere that you end up getting attached to.
Not only was this record reminiscent of certain kinds of late 90s and early 2000s underground and mainstream alt rock, but it's got so many different textures going on and this vast undertone that makes it sort of cinematically.
This is the kind of EP that you listen to as a whole. You don't just listen to one track because it's not going to give you the full spectrum of what the EP actually has to offer.
The energy level of this record is outstanding, along with the actual tonalities. The guitar tones and the powerful vocal approach melt together and give you something super memorable. Many parts of the songs end up floating around in your brain for quite a while after the songs have ended.
That energy level, though, is almost like a live performance where all the band members are feeding off of each other, and this gives the songs an almost alive and breathing sort of approach.
This release comes through pretty intensely and you can hear a bit of an emotional backbone that is unleashed bit by bit throughout the unfolding of the record, and there are a lot of really good surprises around some of the corners as well.
I definitely dig the bass tones as well because they're so perfect in terms of creating that classic '90s alt-rock aesthetic.
You have to understand, the tonality of the instruments is imperative when it comes to music like this. For example there are certain tracks where that bass tone is a little bit gritty and a little bit dirty and that just adds to the edginess and character of the record as a whole.
All of this is part of what makes the EP as fun as it actually is.
It's to the point where there are tracks that give me little bouts of nostalgia here and there as well because I grew up during that time period, listening to that kind of music, I can tell you that they completely nailed that feel from top to bottom.
I also really dig that sort of semi-gothic undertone that's themed throughout the record because it adds a little darkness to everything and it's already a bit edgy as I mentioned earlier, but that little dark addition and vibe helps this whole record push the envelope.
This definitely had a lot going on and there was certainly a lot of attention to detail paid during the creation process which you can easily tell however, it never loses that sort of personality that it begins with.
This record is for people who really love a good, deepening sort of alternative rock that has layers and textures, atmospheres, and soundscapes that can pull you in and create an escape for you.
You also get some great honesty throughout the course of the release, and I feel like that has a huge impact on how everything comes through so authentic even though it feels like their stories.
And they are stories. They have that personality embedded in them, and some lines speak of things you know came from real-life experience or inner thought.
You have to adore a record that gives you that much.
But don't take my word for it though, listen to this record and see how it affects you.
In the meantime, we had to have a sit down with Heart Shaped Zombie just to see where this record actually came from, and find out how on point we were.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: First off, the Falling Forward EP was massive! It had a perfect sonic drive to it and boasted a bit of a live performance tonality at times! Great record!
Where did this EP come from?
“Falling Forward” came from a place of deep introspection. It captures the feeling of moving forward through life’s challenges–even when it feels like you’re stumbling forward without clear direction. Or even when things aren’t perfect, you continue to move forward. Hopefully, your head’s held high, but admittedly there are times, you feel you are just going through the motions, or you feel trapped in the pressures of continuing to go forward, and other times, you feel empowered and come out on the other side strengthened. Falling Forward is still progressing.
Are you touring or playing live right now?
We are currently working on a project commissioned by another artist that we can’t speak about yet, until it’s released.
We are working on some acoustic versions of some of our set list: Swallow It Down, Shoulders, Queens, Hang Me Out, and Dreams, for a public library event coming up in September.
We have a CD Release party show under the works for early October, excited to throw a Zombie Halloween show.
Do you record your stuff in a big studio or is it a home set up?
We recorded this at Evergroove Studios, a studio in Evergreen Colorado.
Tell us a bit about how the band came together?
The guitarist Steven met Louisa through Lyft. Louisa was taking a Lyft ride home and right before taking her final step out of the car, Louisa asked Steven if he plays guitar by chance. Luckily Steven did. About a year later, Louisa texted Steven and asked if he wanted to jam sometime. They worked on Swallow It Down and about three years later put out an ad for a drummer and found Garrett on Craiglist, and Hermyn through Bandmix.
Can we expect any music videos from you guys soon?
Absolutely! We are planning to work on a music video for Hang Me Out and are evaluating a few filmmakers on Aug 30th. We like to be collaborative, so while we might have a loose concept of the video, we really want to work with someone with a creative vision.
I am certainly hearing some heavier alt rock, grunge, garage-rock and more in this track Who are your biggest influences musically?
Singer, Louisa Bisio: Sarah Mclachlan, Korn, Kittie, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morisette, Portishead, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Toby Lightman.
Guitarist, Steven: Nirvana, Queens of the Stoneage, Dispatch, Rage Against the Machine, Russian Circles
Drummer, Garrett: Tool, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Deftones
Bassist, Hermyn: Nirvana, Perfect Circle, Muse, Queens of Stone Age, Tool, The Beatles
Now that this record is released, what's the next move for you guys?
CD Release party with all new apocalyptic themed merch. We just got shirts not too long ago. And next up is the Hang Me Out music video. And eventually recording the rest of our set, as well as writing more.
Who is in your headphones right now?
Singer, Louisa: Jacob Lee, “Demons.” And I cannot get enough of Larkin Poe. My favorite song of theirs is “Look Away.”
Guitarist, Steven: same as influences
Drummer, Garrett: American Football, Gorjira, Worm Shepherd
Bassist, Hermyn: Cannons, Black Keys, Hermanos Gutierrez
Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude for anyone who likes our music. It’s scary to share, because you sit in a garage together working so hard at refining, and then you’re not sure how it’ll be received, if at all liked.
That’s the beauty of being in a band: pushing each other out of our comfort zones, being accountable to each other, and forcing each other to share our music to each other and to the public.
If we do have fans out there, we hope you’ll reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you and connect, and hopefully see you at a show.
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