Album Of The Week: Heart Attack Man’s The Manson Family

I know what’s going through your head. Without even giving it a listen, this album most likely evokes two thoughts: Either the name of the band reminds you of a punk song written by the Beastie Boys or the album title brings visions of an elderly deranged serial killer who single-handedly killed the dream of the ‘60s. But once you press play on Heart Attack Man’s debut album The Manson Family, due out on March 3,  your thoughts will change. The record oozes genuine emotion while the guitar and drums bring out an organic, genuine quality. It borders on vintage garage rock and ‘90s emo punk to find a harmonious medium.

The duo of guitarist and vocalist Eric Egan and drummer Adam Paduch started Heart Attack Man as an outlet to unleash their love of addictive melodies and hard-hitting alternative rock while performing in their hometown of Cleveland. To create their first album, they headed to Philadelphia to work with Ian Farmer from Modern Baseball at Headroom Studios. The recording sessions resulted in a clear sound that’s straight to the point. There’s also an edge that resonates through Egan’s guitar tone and vocal delivery. It’s a raging display of amplified rhythms and there’s no lull.

It’s safe to say that two-piece bands have become the norm in 2017. It was only a couple decades ago that a band with a guitar and a drum kit was considered strange. Nowadays duos are a dime a dozen, and the trend doesn’t seem to be ending. What makes the two-piece interesting is how both musicians deal with the limitations presented to them, as with Heart Attack Man. To see how, let’s delve into my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week.

Being honest and real about the struggle of everyday life, “Surrounded By Morons” is an anthem for anyone who is tired of stupid people. The lyrics Egan sings are intense and an up-close look at selling out for an easy life. “Funhouse Mirrors” has a somber start and then when Paduch’s drums kick in, there’s a battering ram of volume. There is an array of keys being played near the end of the track for an upbeat finale. Reminiscent of The Replacements, “Blood Orange Sun” is a perfect remedy for any old alt-rock fanatic seeking melodic nostalgia.

Egan and Paduch just played The Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on February 26 and they’ll be playing the Trash House in Philadelphia the same day their debut album is released. Let’s hope Heart Attack Man comes back through New England before the end of the year. These two guys seem to have a great future ahead of them if they don’t spontaneously combust. Until they roll through your friendly neighborhood music venue, grab a copy of The Manson Family. It’s a ripper of a record that’ll give the ears a lovely sensation.

Stream “Surrounded By Morons” via Bandcamp: heartattackman.bandcamp.com/track/surrounded-by-morons-2; Like Heart Attack Man on Facebook: facebook.com/heartattackmane.