Labels: self released
Review by: Andy Malcolm
OK, who had Broken Hearts are Blue in the “obscure 90s kind of emo related bands comeback” sweepstakes? Anyone? No? If someone made a YouTube video called “Andy reacts to Broken Hearts are Blue’s return!” the thumbnail would have been a picture of me clutching both sides of my head, my mouth agape, to indicate to the viewer that I am quite surprised by this development.
First song here “Here is Always Nowhere” is really good and the standout track for sure. It feels like it fits with the original album, a sweeping mid 90s style alt rocker. It reminds me particularly of Smashing Pumpkins, but that might be mostly down the casual vocals. “Last Night, Walnut Street” is actually a little garagey, one of these fellas was in the probably forgotten (especially by me) Hidden Chord. I haven’t heard the Hidden Chord for almost 20 years so take that with a pinch of salt mind you. “Rustbelt Sunsets” is a slightly plodding indie rocker, could have done with being a bit punchier for me. “Murder Mysteries” wraps the EP up nicely, going a bit bouncier.
Interesting little 4 song set, the songs are quite disparate which is fine for an EP. I don’t know if BHAB are persisting as a band, but it’s cool that this release happened. Their previous LP “The Truth About Love” was undeservedly overlooked and if this release helps them get a new audience for that album then that’s certainly a good thing.