Technology has the power to supercharge an artist’s career at an alarming pace. For folk four piece The Wandering Hearts, this power proved apparent as 26 minutes after uploading their first demo to soundcloud, they were contacted by their future management. A whirlwind twelve months and the band arrives at their debut album Wild Silence with awards, acclaim and miles under their belt.

Laid In The Ground Wild Silence Biting Through The Wires Change For The Good If I Fall Burning Bridges Fire And Water Devil Wish I Could Rattle Heartbreak Hotel Iona

Opening with the rousing ‘Rattle’, the band set a tone for the album as a whole, its string arrangement pairing well against the warming melodies of Tara Wilcox and Francesca Whiffin. The chorus has depth, rattling percussion and a percussive bridge makes the track feel sizeable, a suitably spirited introduction to both the band and the album. Elsewhere early single ‘Devil’ has a similar ground shaking quality, as echoed drums meet impassioned melodies. Its choral hook has the eloquent narratives of Tom Petty delivered with the blustering gusto of Carrie Underwood.

Title track ‘Wild Silence’ is a sweeping, cinematic number carried by radiant female harmonies. Percussion is removed at the right moments to allow the voices to communicate before drums tumble back in through the chorus and ascend towards one of the album’s fieriest crescendos. In contrast, the mournful ‘Laid In The Ground’ has the folk tale songwriting of Of Monsters and Men. The verses are almost chanty-like, casting some of the darkest strokes on the record and exists in a space altogether different to the egalic preceding song.

The album does not strike gold on every occasion. First single ‘Wish I Could’ has a plodding pace and a chorus that is a croche of clichés. You can forgive the simplicity of songwriting as the genre of Americana is not historically known for its poetic profoundness. However, the hook of ‘If I Fall’ is only saved by Staves-like melody on an otherwise mediocre moment.

Wild Silence is a surprising album with some truly gripping examples of alt-folk. The steadfast ‘Change For Good’ utilises silence spectacularly and nods to Swedish sisters done good First Aid Kit. The vigorous ‘Fire & Water’ sits in the sweet space between Mac and Mumford, a sync-screamer that will fill out festival fields throughout summer. The revived adoration of Americana in the UK bodes well for The Wandering Hearts and with this album they will not only ride the wave, but command it.