Album Review: The Aces – ‘When My Heart Felt Volcanic’
Written by BSR Web Staff on May 1, 2018
Title: When My Heart Felt Volcanic
Artist: The Aces
Record Label: Red Bull Records
Release Date: April 6, 2018
Rating:
You know that point at the end of any teen rom-com where the two main characters realize they’re meant to be together? Maybe it’s prom with the lights turned low, where they make eye contact and slow dancing ensues.
This is the scene that popped into my head the moment I stumbled upon the songs released ahead of The Aces debut album, When My Heart Felt Volcanic—It’s the soundtrack to that moment and what happens after the credits start rolling.
The Utah girl group began honing their sound ten years ago when they formed the band in middle school with sisters Cristal Ramirez as singer and guitarist and Alisa on drums, in addition to McKenna Petty on bass and Katie Henderson on guitar.
When My Heart Felt Volcanic follows the highs and lows of flirtations, relationships and everything in between with a pop sound that doesn’t sacrifice their substantive, emotional lyrics. The Aces have produced a cohesive and relatable album that feels like a rush of bottled summertime.
In an interview with MTV, the band lists Michael Jackson and the 1975 as some of their musical influences—the 1980s flair is evident on songs like “Strong Enough” where synths clearly define the track’s flavor while softer moments emerge in “Hurricane” and “Bad Love.” Their eclectic sound is as if Paramore’s After Laughter and Aly and Aj’s Ten Years EP cosmically melded together.
Recently published on the Lala, Alisa said, “I think we’re also really proud of ‘Volcanic Love’ just because that was really the first track that broke down a barrier and a wall for us as far as discovering our sound and the way we wanted to be heard musically.”
My top tracks off the album are “Lovin’ Is Bible,” “Stay” and “Hurricane,” perfect for a summer road trip but something I’ll be blaring all year long.
The Aces are currently touring the US, and you can find your tickets here.
Reader's opinions
Continue reading
