Hearts&Mines – Find Your Way

Band: Hearts&Mines
Album: Find Your Way

Ottawa’s Hearts&Mines is set to release Find Your Way, their debut full-length album. This 4-piece is comprised of Matt Luloff (vocals, guitar), Jason Watts (drums, vocals), Rob Hanlon (bass, vocals), and Michaël Pineault (keys, vocals). Together, these fellas have put together a solid full-length debut, really honing in on a particular sound that they have grasped well.

The opener, “Echo,” is a strong start with Luloff’s vocals setting the tone for the rest of the 10-song album. Throughout the album, it is evident that the band has a firm grasp on their pop sensibilities, as the songs are quite catchy. They have a radio-friendly alternative rock sound, with Luloff possessing a certain radio-ready familiarity to his vocals. Songs like “Echo,” “Snakes and Ladders” and “Wrong” sound like they belong on the radio. While the sound itself is not particularly unique, Luloff brings something quite unique to the table. The lyrics he pens often allude to a life full of experiences that few people will ever encounter, as Luloff actually went to Afghanistan, which their war-influenced band name may hint.

Although Luloff’s voice is at the forefront of Hearts&Mines’ sound, the effort from all the members is evident. The harmonies that start off “Wrong” make for an attention-grabbing beginning, but they’re heard throughout the album, as each member lends their voice. The hard-hitting drums courtesy of Watts in “Another World” really steal the show on that tune, while Pineault’s work on keys stand out on “Capsize to Baptize” and the big album closer “The Mutiny.” Overall, the album is consistent in strength and it’s certainly a debut to be proud of.

Hearts&Mines will be celebrating the release of Find Your Way at Live Lounge in their hometown of Ottawa on May 22nd. The official release date is May 24th.