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Ravenhall - Single Review: Wild Hearts

23 Sep 2020 // A review by malexa

It’s slightly surprising that Ravenhall have been so exacting of their own standards, dating back to the release of their 2015 debut single Everything To Me, given that vocalist Chris Brebner and guitarist Joe Ravenhall are seasoned musicians, who had already shown they’ve got what it takes.

Wild Hearts is a classic, edgy, muscular rock song – that’s about seven singles on the trot now – that’s ripped in all the right places.

A gentle acoustic guitar intro barely has time to breathe before a reminiscing vocal line comes in and a tight rhythmic drive – kudos to drummer Damian Hilt and Alan Treanor on bass – starts to carry the momentum of the song and then turbo charges it through the chorus. There’s a rousing but tempered guitar solo that accentuates the emotional underbelly of a narrative that sifts through the ashes of a relationship looking for an ember that might re-ignite it.

The sparks are tied to still strong memories – "I’ve been noticing the shift for a while, the way your hands don’t fit inside no more, and our fingers don’t entwine like before. If I hold you like I did back then will our wild hearts beat again" - but you never quite know if the narrator is posing the question to himself or his beloved.

Great song, great band, great sound. Now, where’s that album?

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Ravenhall

With a profound blend of passionate acoustic guitar-driven tunes and poignant storytelling, Ravenhall, hailing from the heart of New Zealand, speaks directly to the hearts of their listeners. Founding members Joe Ravenhall and Chris Brebner, both seasoned veterans of Auckland's vibrant music scene, have been collaborating for years, bringing a wealth of experience to their project. Ravenhall isn't just a band; it's a musical journey, an exploration of emotional lyricism and open-hearted melodies that drew them to music in the first place. Together, they've crafted over a hundred songs, each contributing a dynamic personality to enrich the band's distinctive sound.

Officially debuting in 2015 with the release of their single Everything To Me, Ravenhall has since expanded their signature sound through a series of singles, cultivating a devoted audience across New Zealand. In 2021, they released their EP The Coming Storm, showcasing their intricately crafted songwriting and reaching new listeners both in their home country and beyond.

Excitingly, Ravenhall is gearing up for a major milestone with the release of their much-anticipated 10-song debut album Brother, scheduled for February 9th, 2024. Their previous project, Live at Brebs Bar, a live album featuring accompanying videos, hit all digital platforms in May 2023. Ravenhall continues to push the boundaries of traditional singer/songwriter music, creating a sound that is not only wholly authentic but also entirely unique. Get ready to embark on a musical journey with Ravenhall, where every note is an invitation to connect and feel.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ravenhall

Releases

Brother
Year: 2024
Type: Album
Live at Brebs Bar
Year: 2023
Type: Album
The Coming Storm
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Wild Hearts
Year: 2020
Type: EP
Straight Up
Year: 2018
Type: EP

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