Stitched Up Heart
To The Wolves – Century Media
A band’s third album is often considered the “difficult one”. Any material the band had in reserve has been used, and they must approach the new record with a clean slate. It’s a hurdle Stitched Up Heart have jumped with apparent ease, and full-length number three bristles with the confidence that comes from a band who know they’re onto a good thing. Opening (and title) track ‘To The Wolves’ succinctly sets out the band’s stall; a cool riff swaggers between hefty drumbeats, as synths add rich texture while Alecia “Mixi” Demner’s defiant vocals float atop. The result is a haunted carnival for the ears, and Stitched Up Heart take the listener on a wild ride that incorporates metal, industrial and electronica whilst delivering it with a strong melodic sensibility. This means that cuts such as ‘Taste For Blood’ and ‘Dead Inside’ are awarded instant earworm status despite (or perhaps because of) their dark lyrical content. With their gothic overtones, Stitched Up Heart revel in the darkness and bite with razor-sharp teeth, all of which provides a tumultuous listen. But this is one occasion you won’t mind being thrown…To The Wolves.
Review by Peter Dennis