
Alive is the first full-length work by Austin hard rock band Black Heart Saints. Fans of their EP Touch The Sky will be happy to hear that the guys are continuing to forge their mix of hard rock riffs and groove-based rhythms. For those new to Black Heart Saints, I hope you're on good terms with your neighbors because when you hit "play" you're going to be turning this one up LOUD!
After a brief intro track, Alive starts off with a slamming song called Not Dead Yet that features the newest member of the band, drummer Nathan Flores. One Last Thrill and Travelin' On showcase what the band does best, Josh Ross singing with attitude, Mark Sean ripping away at the guitar and bassist EJ Laurel throwing it down the low end. Come Together is their take on the Beatles classic. They provide a heavier twist to the song and really take it home by the end of the track. An interlude track segues into the second part of Alive. (Note: In the old days, this is when we'd flip the album over and get ready for side 2. Man, I miss those days. Thank God vinyl isn't dead!)
After a brief intro track, Alive starts off with a slamming song called Not Dead Yet that features the newest member of the band, drummer Nathan Flores. One Last Thrill and Travelin' On showcase what the band does best, Josh Ross singing with attitude, Mark Sean ripping away at the guitar and bassist EJ Laurel throwing it down the low end. Come Together is their take on the Beatles classic. They provide a heavier twist to the song and really take it home by the end of the track. An interlude track segues into the second part of Alive. (Note: In the old days, this is when we'd flip the album over and get ready for side 2. Man, I miss those days. Thank God vinyl isn't dead!)

The second half of Alive starts off with the title track. This is one of my favorite songs on the new release. Quicksand is where the band shows that they aren't afraid to venture off the path a bit. More ballad in its approach, it takes you back to those songs you don't want to admit you liked as much as you did but couldn't wait for the chorus to come around so you could sing along when your friends weren't looking! Call To Arms and the following track, Gasoline, get the fist-pumping grooves going again. Next up is the second cover on the record, Superstition. For fans that have been lucky enough to see Black Heart Saints perform live, this is a very welcome addition as they do a great job interpreting the Stevie Wonder classic. The last full track on Alive is All Night Long. They close it out in style, doing what they do best.
Black Heart Saints has put together a solid collection of songs with Alive. They are one of the bands that remind all of us that rock is far from dead. In fact, they are a great example that some great music is being written and performed these days. If you're a fan, buy this. If you are new to Black Heart Saints, buy this and hope they come to your town soon.
Black Heart Saints has put together a solid collection of songs with Alive. They are one of the bands that remind all of us that rock is far from dead. In fact, they are a great example that some great music is being written and performed these days. If you're a fan, buy this. If you are new to Black Heart Saints, buy this and hope they come to your town soon.
Here's a little taste below and for more check out more of Black Heart Saints at: https://blackheartsaintsmusic.com/