Heat and Lights – Demo
The re-release of the Demo/EP from Heat and Lights was just put up on bandcamp. The collection of songs showcases the strengths of Heat and Lights; reflective folk rock. The acoustic pop sensibilities of the band compliment lead singer Tim Walker’s maturation as lyricist who try’s to wrap his head around daily grind, ageing, and family life. Walker’s sensitive lyrical nuances are well suited for his smooth vocal style that allows him to have more expressive freedom when compared to the more pop sensibilities found in his other group Grand Theft Bus. One of Tim’s strengths as a singer/songwriter is how he uses his voice as an additional instrument that flows with the melody. The songs are beautifully written and avoid the fine line of being too precious.
http://heatandlights.bandcamp.com/album/demos
The song News Comes On is a haunting trackabout alienation and loneliness that fits nicely with the finger picking accompaniment that keeps the song from falling into melancholy. The catchy, some what upbeat, tempo of With a Ghost is a soul searching track that asks questions rather than an attempt to provide answers. Why, Why, Why is subversively beautiful in its musical arrangement when one connects the tragic, brutal reality of an abusive relationship in its lyrical themes from a perspective of a voyeur. The final track Holiday is really about spacing out and a need for escapism that we all need at times to make it through the day. Heat and Lights is an appropriate name for this band. The songs are reflective, personal narratives that capture the fleeting thoughts and experiences of someone experiencing a young family life – beautiful indeed. This is just a taste of what is yet to come. Highly Recommended.
Tim Rayne
