Record Label: Hellcat Records
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The Heart Attacks are an Atlanta-based group that labels themselves as a scuzz rock band. The members of the band look like they just time warped from Poison circa 1986.

Having just seen the Explosion playing with Rancid, I am instantly reminded of them when listening to the Heart Attacks and that isn’t a good thing. Actually they’re not quite as bad but the vocals are snotty and nerve racking most of the time. Usually the lyrics sound as followed: Whah whaaaa whaaaaah waaaa wahhhhh. Think of the teacher from the Charlie Brown cartoon.

The music is pretty good at times and the band mixes it up with some variety and some surprise instruments like a saxophone or a piano. I would have to say that the best part about “Hellbound And Heartless” would have to be the guitar solos, which appear in just about every song in one way, shape or form. The Heart Attacks are definitely a guitar driven band. To my surprise, the band managed to get Joan Jett to do vocals on one of their songs. That’s probably in part to her trying to resurrect her career with the younger punk crowd nowadays. There is also a decent cover of Traveling Band by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

If you’re into the garage rock revival sound of bands like the Explosion, the Strokes or the Vines, then you might want to check out the Heart Attacks. Personally, I think that you get a better all around rock sound with the Heart Attacks then you do with the other three bands that I mentioned. The vocals are harsh at times but the rocking music and the gritty sound really draws away from that and even complements it on some of the faster songs. They are at least worth a listen even though they sound nothing like any of their label mates.

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Notable Tracks: Widowmaking, Traveling Band, Tearstained Letters, Runnin With A Gang
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