H.E.A.T

Freedom Rock (2CD)

Price: 11.75

Review / Notes:

2 disc version includes debut release as a bonus disc. 

A young melodic rock sextet from Uplands Vasby in Sweden, H.E.A.T caused a minor sensation with their independently released, eponymous debut back in the spring of 2008. Here was a group of youngsters who seemed to have plugged directly into the richly fertile Scandie scene of the late 80’s, ironically a scene which had largely vanished before they’d even started school! Proof positive therefore for all but the most cynical that musical tastes do indeed tend to move in cycles, but more importantly, a link with the glorious past today’s younger generation of hard rockers could easily latch onto and identify with. Proffering a brand of slick, hook laden MHR/AOR which drew heavily on the likes of Europe, Treat, Street Talk and Bad Habit, ‘H.E.A.T’ was one of the most talked about debut’s of the year (for all the right reasons), subsequent live work around Europe proving they also had the technical chops to ram their message home on stage ... no wonder then that follow up ‘Freedom Rock’ is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the early summer schedules. Still lead from the front by the charismatic voice of Kenny Leckremo (kinda Joey Tempest meets Dan Huff), H.E.A.T have dug in and delivered exactly the kind of album you’d expect them to … if it ain’t broke there’s really no need to fix it is a great adage to live by, and one perfectly encapsulated by ‘Freedom Rock’. Picking up right from where that wonderfully addictive debut left off, its sylphlike blend of good time party rock attitude and smooth AOR melodies once again lights up the dark. As I sit here putting the electronic equivalent of pen to paper it’s literally pissing down outside (dontcha just love springtime in the UK, with or without the Icelandic volcano, or a bunch of thieves and charlatans trying to con a vote out of you!), but inside the room is bathed in the warm glow of sunshine emanating from the CD player. And that in a nutshell is the key to understanding H.E.A.T; what you see is what you get because there really is no hidden edge, it’s all about celebrating great times to one cool soundtrack. And what a soundtrack … from the brash ‘Everybody Want To Be Someone’, to the likes of ‘Black Night’ (a duet with Edguy front man Toby Sammet), first single ‘Beg Beg Beg’, ‘Nobody Loves You Like I Do’ or ‘High On Love’, the ever more infectious blend of hooks and melodies gets better and better with each spin. No pretence, no bullshit or fancy gimmicks, just contagious songs played by a band who’ve clearly struck a chord. Cracking second effort from one of the best new pure melodic rock acts from Sweden in 20 years! (D.Cockett)