Album Review: Heart Attack Man – The Manson Family

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Heart Attack Man

The Manson Family - You Did This Records / Triple Crown Records

Ohio’s Heart Attack Man originally started as a solo recording project for singer and guitarist Eric Egan back in 2013, since then they have gained a further member, drummer Adam Paduch, released two EPs’, their self titled debut and 2015’s critically acclaimed Acid Rain EP, and now they have released their debut full length, the ominously titled album The Manson Family. The album was released via a partnership between You Did This Records and Triple Crown Records yesterday, the 3rd March 2017, on CD, swamp green vinyl and digital formats.

The Manson Family is an album of restrained downbeat power pop, it varies between hooky fuzz laden riffs that sit alongside introspective touches, often in the same song. It’s not until you’re well and truly into the album that they kick into gear and up the ante with the wonderful Blood Orange Sun. This track was streamed ahead of the album’s release, and you can see why this was the track they chose, although it’s thunder is stolen by the wonderful Surrounded By Morons, for me this is easily the album’s finest moment, it’s a fuzzy dark sarcastic rant against modern society that is a perfect cathartic soundtrack for those that dwell in an urban sprawl.

Heart Attack Man are the first signing of the union between two fiercely independent record labels, and it must be said that their debut full length hits the spot nicely. The Manson Family was recorded with Ian Farmer, of Modern Baseball fame, his influence on the production is certainly present, but his style doesn’t overly insinuate itself into the album, as Heart Attack Man definitely have their own character. The Manson Family is a potent mix of melody and enormous hooks, when this is combined with the rage and grace that is present in their compositions it makes this an album, that like it’s namesake, is best not ignored, but, unlike it’s namesake, this is something that you’d actually want to appear in your house.

The Manson Family can be pre-ordered via Triple Crown Records here