They were one of the UK’s most promising bands and then, suddenly, they split up. Whether Hearts Under Fire were getting more attention than most because they were four not-unattractive girls playing a brash, noisy brand of punk is immaterial; they were actually a good band and had the potential to make waves. The fact they split up as they were on the verge of moving upwards could have left the band with a few ‘what might have beens’. But as quickly as they departed the band are back – with an extra girl in their ranks – and this demo is their first new material since.
The two tracks here are solid. They sound better all round than the band’s last demo, although they’re not quite as fiery. Sian Sanderson may be pint-sized but she packs a vocal punch, and while the two songs here are not the gutsiest she’s ever been, the fire is still in her belly. The drums are better than ever and the twin guitar attack showcases plenty of riffs. Truth be told the band haven’t moved on hugely since the last demo, but it again goes to prove that no matter why people chose to write and talk about them before, they’re a good band in their own right.
Yes, it is a little odd to see an all-female punk band that don’t rely on their image to get them coverage, but HUF deserve the plaudits. They’re a genuinely talented band that’s growing all the time. Hopefully they won’t split up again and can build on what they have. If they can transfer the fire and, dare I say, balls of their live shows onto record, they could be a mighty fine band indeed.