In Remembrance: Have Heart
Right when it seemed that they might be making their big break, they decided to throw it all away – why?
While the usually focus of this article tends to be on bands most would consider “indie,” the fact stands that, for many of us, we listen to other genres as well. I am no exception to this idea; and it just so happens, that when I’m not listening to my usual grind, heart-pounding, balls-out hardcore music can often be heard coming from my headphones.
This passion of mine for hardcore music, while not quite so prominent in recent months, is still very much a huge part of my musical preference. That being so, it seemed only fitting to feature Have Heart as this week’s band to remember. Arguably my all-time favorite hardcore band ever, and one of the reasons I got into the genre in the first place, Have Heart regretfully decided to end their reign as one of the most influential active hardcore bands this year.
What originally started as a side project in 2002, Have Heart soon became the main focus of most of its members and gained the reputation as a notable band in Boston, a worldwide hardcore music Mecca. The band, which was primarily centered around lead vocalist, Pat Flynn, was started while most of its members were still in high school, the main three being Pat Flynn, Ryan Hudson, and Ryan Briggs. The trio moved from their hometown of New Bedford to Boston upon graduation and began recruiting members and recording demos immediately.
The group played their first show in 2003 and released a demo the same year. The demo caught the attention of prominent hardcore label, Think Fast! Records, and the group was signed shortly thereafter. In 2004, the group, now with a full lineup, recorded their first EP, What Counts. The EP gained the group an enormous local following and enough support to land the Have Heart on several national tours.
Have Heart signed Bridge Nine Records in 2005, an even more reputable hardcore label, which promised the band wider distribution and a multi-album recording contract. The following year, Have Heart released their first full-length album, The Things We Carry. The album was well received among many hardcore fans for its catchy chants, positive message, and brutal delivery. The Things We Carry solidified Have Heart’s position as one of hardcore’s forerunners and only continued to bring more popularity as the band returned to touring.
In 2008, the group returned to the studio to work on their second, and as it would turn out, final LP. Songs To Scream At The Sun was released in July of 2008 on Bridge Nine Records. The album debuted at 193 on the Billboard Top 200, an unheard of feat for a hardcore punk band of their kind. The album received excellent reviews and was even placed on several album-of-the-year lists. At a scant 21 minutes long, Songs To Scream At The Sun was the group’s most profound release to date. More personal and insightful than their previous record, the album was not only progressive to the members, but paid homage back to the golden days of hardcore punk music.
In the spring of 2009, vocalist Pat Flynn announced the band’s breakup via the group’s MySpace. Throughout his message he remained cryptic and nonchalant, leading to many rumored reasons for the breakup by fans. In his message he promised that the band would follow through with their planned world tour and even outlined their final performance which would take place at Nation Edge Day near their hometown in Massachusetts. The band’s label has announced an upcoming live DVD of the band as well as a possible additional album.
Posted by Andrew Scott on Dec 21, 2009 @ 9:00 am