Massachusetts has pretty much been a breeding ground for hardcore bands since… well… hardcore started. Defiant Hearts is yet another in the long line of bands to come from the state, and they're armed with a new record.
From the get-go of Arlington with “Ghost” it is quite evident what kind of a record you are in for. “Ghost” is a fast-paced tune that draws from the likes of Dag Nasty and Gorilla Biscuits, but freshens it up with a heavier and more aggressive modern hardcore twist ala Comeback Kid and Verse. Defiant Hearts continues its aural assault with an arsenal of melodic hardcore. The music is upbeat and never really seems to take its foot off the pedal, constantly flooring it from start to finish. Defiant Hearts do pay homage to their influences with a hidden cover of Rites of Springs' “For Want Of,” which they do an admiral job covering.
Arlington knows it target market and pretty much sticks to that realm. With a little more tinkering I feel they could really blow up and become one of the bigger bands in the hardcore music scene.
