Immersing us with intricate electric guitar which expands into keys, drums and a cohesive garage rock meets alternative rock frequency, we are already hypnotized by Vandal of Hearts‘ song Blissy, taken from his debut album, Bad Dream.

Blissy opens with the introspective, poetic and assertive lyrics, “Music, gets me high, don’t get me wrong, drugs do too, but I’ve never thought about being through with music…”. We love the message of the song, which expands to deliver a tribute to music.

Speaking on the meaning of the track, Vandal of Hearts, also known as James St. Thomas, says, “It was inspired by my desire to explore what I believe music to be capable and incapable of.”

A lyrical highlights is the positive affirmation, “Music, is a way to express yourself, a way to assert yourself…”

The rising artist from Glasgow in Scotland cites The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The White Stripes, Roxy Music, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Velvet Underground, The Smiths, Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Joy Division and Garbage as influences, but it is clear that he is creating a dimension of his own.

Vandal of Hearts continues, “In this sense, I think Blissy is rare – because, whilst music can help us feel better and provoke thought (a gift in itself), it cannot cure personal ills (at least, this is what I’ve found); I don’t think this is often said. The most notable aspect of Blissy is its riff, which employs my classical approach to electric guitar playing.”

We are in awe of the guitar solos featured int the track, that truly enhance Vandal of Hearts‘ creative vision for the opus.

When discussing his artistry, he reflects, “As for Vandal of Hearts as a whole, I’d say the music could be characterised by harmonic curiosity, lyrical sardonicism and arty minimalism. It’s fair to say the focus is on the guitar; however, my intention is to explore the full range of possibilities the guitar provides.”

We love the conscious and high concept journey that Vandal of Hearts takes us on, and have been exploring his album Bad Dream in full. Blissy has also been added to our New Music Spotlight playlist!

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