“Softly” is the new single from Canadian band Heaps. Formerly known as The Kents, this is the group’s first single under their new direction, with a full length album to follow.
The forthcoming album, What Is Heaps, and the new single, were recorded at Union Sound in Toronto. The quartet enlisted Leon Taheny (Fucked Up, Owen Pallett) and James Bunton (Donovan Woods) on production duties.
According to the band, “Softly” is an “earnest meditation on emotional intelligence, what you present and who you are.” With the idea that we’re all a work in progress, central to the song’s message.
It’s a real gem of an alternative rock track. Energetic, though taut, the single builds and swells nicely. The track’s vibrant and dynamic instrumental elements and strong vocals compliment each other nicely.
There’s a sense of juxtaposition to the band’s sound on “Softly” too. There are moments where it’s quite ethereal and almost shoegazey. But, equally as the track builds, there’s an anthemic quality that comes into play. It’s a track that you can definitely imagine going over strongly live, with plenty of breathing room for the band to stretch it out and bring it home strong.
Whether the rest of the album is in the same sort of vein remains to be seen. The band’s official biography teases an eclectic collection. But, they’ve certainly piqued my interest.
“Softly” is available now. You can find Heaps on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Header Image: @mayafuhr
