Land of the Hearth – Old World-New World Records
One half of psych-rock and darkwave synth duo, The KVB, Nicholas Wood steps out on his third album as Saccades, Land of Hearth. While mostly a solo project, he is joined in songwriting duties by The KVB bandmate, Kate Day on two tracks, “New Star Line” & “Land of the Hearth.” For some cool music from The KVB, check out their recently released cover of the Siouxsie & The Banshees’ classic, “Kiss Them For Me.” At times, Land of the Hearth is a buzz of electronica, while other times it is slick guitar-driven bedroom pop.
I keep going back to track 5, “Some Regrets,” which leans heavy on a pulsating drum beat and dreamy vocals. “New Star Line,” track 6, is a jamming house tune – one that moves the hips and has shades of Electronic (Sumner, Marr, Tennant) mixed in with a 90s rave sound. Track 1, “Nearly Dreaming,” is an almost perfect end of summer wind down. The airy vocals are joined by feverishly pounding synths. “Solstice,” showcases Wood’s shimmering guitar-work, delving into Day Wave-like vibes – calming and carefree. Track 8, “Faint Echoes,” has an enticing vocal back and forth, in what becomes a true psych-pop blend. An amazing mix of sounds that hit on all the emotions. Cloudy, dreamy synths that are atmospheric and poppy with 80s-like vigor.
Just a very pleasant listen that jumps from euro house music to yacht rock guitar serenades.
Track listing –
1: Nearly Dreaming
2: One Day Soon
3: Cross Street
4: Neighbours Pool
5: Some Regrets
6: New Star Line
7: Land Of The Hearth
8: Faint Echoes
9: Little Whites
10: Dowsing
11: Solstice
Track 7 is a gentle moving instrumental. Faves on this one: 6**, 1**, 11**, 5**, 8**, and 2*.
– (h)earwitness