Manchester-based outfit Arms & Hearts have never been one to shy away from introspective yet politically charged storytelling. With their sophomore album ‘The Future is Not Bright’, Steven Millar and drummer Sam Johnson continue this tradition, offering up a twelve-track journey that confronts the complexities of identity, mental health, and societal frustrations with brutally raw honesty.
Having established themselves in the indie scene since 2015 with their debut ‘The Distance Between’, the band have now embraced their sonic evolution. Where their previous work was deeply rooted in acoustic punk, ‘The Future is Not Bright’ presents a fresh soundscape, blending lush synths and shimmering guitars, inspired by the likes of Spanish Love Songs and Turnover. Despite this shift, the heart of their music- gritty, relatable, and at times darkly humorous lyricism- remains.
What sets this album apart is its ability to merge the personal with the political, touching on everything from inner struggles to the broader injustices we all face. Millar’s defiant lyrics, whether grappling with the realities of capitalism or reflecting on the fragility of love and life, refuse to settle for the cynicism the world seems to demand. Instead, ‘The Future is Not Bright’ insists on finding glimmers of optimism, even in the darkest corners.
Tracks like ‘I Wanna Kill Your Boss’ capture that balance perfectly, weaving biting commentary with infectious and anthemic melodies, while the more tender moments in the album explore love and loss with a depth that is both intimate and universal.
‘Ghost’ stands out for its effortlessness in drawing listeners in with its infectious rhythm and undeniable energy. The track’s upbeat tempo is elevated by its signature “clap clap” pattern, a percussive element that adds a layer of immediacy and excitement to the song. This rhythmic pulse gives the track a communal, almost celebratory vibe, as though it was designed to be shared in a live setting where the audience can’t help but join in.
Arms & Hearts may have expanded their sound, but they’ve lost none of the grit that made them stand out in the first place. ‘The Future is Not Bright’ is a bold step forward for the band- one that demands to be heard, both for its musical innovation and its unflinching dive into the human condition.
