South Australia’s Heartline have been tirelessly working to craft their own eclectic sound ever since they appeared on the scene. After teasing us with three singles ‘Pink Lemonade’, ‘Synthetic’ and ‘Lovers’– finally their EP ‘Pink Lemonade’ has dropped.

This deliciously progressive and futuristic modern metalcore release has taken me by surprise. Most definitely in the best way. It opens with the title track, a song that was only released not too long ago, but it still never loses its catchiness. Giving us a beat to bounce off at the start, helping to isolate frontman Luke Taylor’s vocals. It has a dark gritty feel that is at times pop but hard rock in the same breath. It is a not easy to blend the two, but Heartline are able to not just do it but do it well.

From ‘Pink Lemonade’, this is where my first surprise hits. ‘Akimbo’ kicks in with a riff that is both speedy and memorable, building up a heaviness that I was not sure I would experience from Heartline. It has the texture of an action movie car sequence and takes it into a chorus that is too heavy for radio rock but has an equivalent level of catchiness.

Speaking of catchy, as the opening riff for ‘Synthetic’ hits, I cannot resist grooving along. Guitarist George Carey was working overtime on this one. This EP is mixed and mastered Thornhill’s Nick Sjogren and his influence, particularly on this track, is noticeable. Thematically, the EP explores honest and thoughtful explorations of both the physical and digital realms- and this song is the strongest sonic representation of those themes. It also provides one of our most heavy moments on the EP in the breakdown, showing that they may play with a range of influences, but Heartline still have edge.

‘New Immune’ dips into a more ambient, ballad like territory. Giving us a nod to some old school emo anthems but through a modern lens, especially through their use of digital soundscapes. An almost lo-fi hiphop feel in the verses, it is the ultimate starting point to create a juxtaposing dramatic lead into the next track, the nu-metal infused ‘X7’.

This track also lends itself into those emo feels a bit, like if you combined that 2005 rock sound, akin to other hot Australian acts from back in the day The Hot Lies, Behind Crimson Eyes and Gyroscope, with a nu-metal bassline and then wrapped it up in a modern metalcore package. Perhaps that is just my nostalgia talking, but I really dig it. The rhythm section of Nevenko Sarunic on bass and Michael Cooper on drums truly shine on this one.

They continue their epic work in the nu-metal style bass and drumming straight into the final track, ‘Lovers’. If I was going to introduce people to Heartline, this is the track I would use. It combines all the elements of what this band does so well. Impeccable vocal delivery, heavy choruses, intriguing soundscapes and samples and overall, just fantastic song writing. The breakdown on first listen sounds simple but it takes another go to truly notice all its intricacies. With blink if you miss it layers, the continue to carry on throughout the rest of the song- it honestly is the best note to finish on.

As an overall package, this EP is going to be one of the most slept on in Australian music. It deserves a lot more hype than I have noticed it is getting. The only thing that it is lacking is perhaps some truly hit in the face, memorable sections but I have had no issue having it on effortlessly on repeat for days.

It’s time to stop sleeping on Heartline guys, this EP is brilliant.

Rating: 9/10
Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

You can listen to ‘Pink Lemonade’ here.