Album Review/ Alt Rock : Nick Cody & The Heartache’s ‘This Is Love & Heartache’

Nick Cody & The Heartache are a funky, blues, rock, soul, R&B, jazz band. They expand across the soul spectrum with so much swag and style. It is a movie scene, so rich with theatric scenery and performative allure. Their latest release is ‘This Is Love & Heartache’, a charming album that nicely captures the sensibilities and artistry of the band. Each track is groovy and soulful than the next, as they slip and slide along the dreamy love and romantic melancholy of heartache. 

‘Can’t Stop’ introduces the album. With its luminous pulses, soft harmonies and warm, burning vocal skies, it flows with the passionate rhythm of unstoppable love. In tracks like ‘Take Heart’ and ‘You Gotta Move’, we see a similar pallet of country dripping, blues floating, soft rock song that is plush and full of instrumental light. Nick’s baritones especially imprint powerfully on the listener with their simple yet deep expression and the delicate nuances within. 

‘That Gal’ is a really fun song. The funky grooves, stridulating jazz, and dancing drums create an animated space for the vocals to come alive in. That fusion point where the sounds meet the voice is such a fun space to witness. It’s like a scene that forms so spontaneously and exuberantly. So unique and so groovy. 

Alt rock done with a light yet layered pulse with ‘Next Up’. The dynamic rhythm work, the variety in the vocals, and a stylistic defiance that you can’t help but be disarmed by. So well made, so well produced. ‘All About Lies’ rushes out the door with spontaneous beats, burning melodies, and shuffling vocals. ‘Slowtime’ has a more classic rock appeal to it. A bit of slow song sparkling with blues and sentiments. 

The album finishes with ‘This Is Love & Heartache’. An angelic church choir leads the listener through an ethereal space, immaculate echoes and a light bath. It is transcendental, such an unpredictable end to the album. The stylistic curveball that they throw with this seems to have a deep artistic intention. Pondering on its many interpretations is quite pleasing. Listen Now! 

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The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘This is Love and Heartache’ by Nick Cody & The Heartache here -