The Hearts’ third album Equal Love was released Oct. 30 and with it a new image for the six-piece pop-rock-roots band.
First off they dropped frontman Jeff Stuart’s name while at the same time delivering a more sophisticated version of the fun tunes they’ve played in the past.
“It was a natural progression over time. We’re more of a collaborative entity than when we started. Our musical character has evolved and we’re ready for a refresh,” said Stuart, a former St. Albert resident now living in Sherwood Park.
He describes Equal Love, mixed by producer Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter), as a more bold, innovative album that steps away from the 1960s groove of the past.
“It’s contemporary with more focus on synth and keyboard, and we like to think our writing is progressing in a positive way.”
“Ultimately, we’ve tried to create something that we’re proud of, something that has cohesion and flow. We’re consciously trying to ensure connectivity so when you listen to it from start to finish there is an arc.”
The title song Equal Love started bubbling in Stuart’s imagination after listening to the news and watching several friends receive first hand discrimination.
“There’s not a lot of people in my experience that have equal love. It’s a theme throughout. Some of the songs are fun and tongue-in-cheek and others are serious.”
The Hearts officially release Equal Love at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. The venue is located at 8426 Gateway Blvd. Tickets are $15 to $20 from Yeglive.com.
Fan favourite and award winning country singer Johnny Reid plays an acoustic set from his upcoming album What Love is All About at the West Edmonton Mall on Nov. 13.
What Love is All About is the singer-songwriter’s eighth studio album. After his performance, Reid will sign autographs. The first 300 people to buy a copy of the album at HMV will receive front-of-the-line access to the autograph session.
Reid’s performance starts at 5:30 p.m. at Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace. Entry to the Ice Palace begins at 3 p.m.
