The Modern Hearts, with a signature sound built upon a foundation of hook-filled guitar pop and soaring vocals, are poised to win over fans and critics alike with their new EP, World’s On Fire. The irresistible single, “Want You So Bad,” released in the summer of 2015, kicks things off, clearly displaying how far The Modern Hearts have come as radio-savvy hit-makers in a short period of time.
The Toronto-based quartet consisting of lead vocalist/synth and rhythm guitarist Gary Stitt, lead guitarist and harmony vocalist Steve Wilde, bassist Jason Sulyma, and drummer A.J. Pinsonneault, began making their mark at the start of 2014 with their self-released full-length debut album Into The Wild.
On the strength of that record’s “world class songs that draw from classic and modern influences,” in the words of Last Gang Entertainment founder Chris Taylor, The Modern Hearts beat out 1600 other artists to win that year’s Breaking Bands competition, sponsored by Big Music Fest in Kitchener, Ontario, and a place on the festival’s bill alongside Aerosmith, Bryan Adams, Slash, and other rock giants.
As more warmly received performances increased that momentum, The Modern Hearts returned to the studio in 2015 with JUNO Award-winning producer and engineer Dan Brodbeck (Dolores O’Riordan, The Gandharvas, The Salads) to lay down “Want You So Bad,” released in time for the band’s return to Big Music Fest, followed by a tour of western Canada.
The upcoming EP’s other songs—“Show Me Love,” and “World’s On Fire”—reflect an equal amount of craftsmanship and sonic diversity, and a desire to focus on the best material on hand, polished until perfected.
The Modern Hearts’ evolution is sure to take a huge leap forward with World’s On Fire as the band’s songwriting and live show have coalesced into a movement with undeniable appeal. As Canadian broadcasting legend Alan Cross said of The Modern Hearts, “Watch this band. They have the songs, the chops and the smarts to be a factor.”