Artist: The Heroic Enthusiasts EP: Wake Me When It’s Over Genre: Post-Punk, Synth Pop, Electronic Release Date: September 17th, 2024

The Heroic Enthusiasts’ latest EP, Wake Me When It’s Over, offers a succinct but potent two-song collection that seamlessly fuses the atmospheric grandeur of 80s New Wave with a modern electronic sensibility. Produced by legendary producer Stephen Hague—whose work with New Order, Erasure, and Peter Gabriel has defined generations of synth-driven pop—the EP showcases a deepening collaboration between Hague and the New York-based duo of James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara. It’s an evocative exploration of melancholia, groove, and meticulously layered soundscapes, inviting listeners to dive into both its introspective lyrics and pulsing rhythms.

The title track, “Wake Me When It’s Over” is an entrancing, stuttered masterpiece. From the first beat, Hague’s production flourishes are immediately apparent: a driving bass line, hypnotic drum pattern, and ethereal synths propel the song forward with a restrained urgency. Tabbi’s rich vocal performance, combined with Ferrara’s intricate guitar counter-melodies, creates a sound that feels simultaneously cinematic and danceable. There’s a nostalgic Depeche Mode-like quality in the track’s brooding mood, yet the duo’s signature touches—especially Ferrara’s bright, hook-laden guitar work—add a shimmer that lifts the song into a lighter, more vibrant sonic space.

Lyrically, “Wake Me When It’s Over” touches on the themes of escapism and exhaustion, reflective of a world that often feels too heavy to bear. The interplay between dark themes and uplifting instrumentation is masterfully balanced, giving the track a duality that keeps it engaging from start to finish.

All I Want, the EP’s second track, takes a more laid-back approach, blending electronic dance grooves with an almost meditative calm. It’s chill but textured, as layers of synths and gentle guitar flourishes swirl around Tabbi’s vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The track is a sonic journey through lush, synthetic landscapes, echoing influences like Erasure and even elements of 90s dance music. There’s a rhythmic consistency here—everything is smooth and bouncy, yet never overwhelming, making it a perfect backdrop for introspective moments or late-night listening.

With Wake Me When It’s Over, The Heroic Enthusiasts reaffirm their status as torchbearers of a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-facing. Their collaboration with Hague feels natural, as the duo’s influences align perfectly with Hague’s mastery of the New Wave and Post-Punk aesthetic. Yet, there’s an unmistakable freshness to the music that transcends mere homage, reminding us that true innovation often lies in the ability to draw from the past while forging something distinctly modern.

This EP serves as a tantalizing preview of their forthcoming album Illuminate, set to release in early 2025, and it’s clear that The Heroic Enthusiasts are only getting started. With their sophisticated approach to songwriting and production, they continue to stand out in today’s often cluttered indie music scene, offering a sound that feels timeless yet undeniably current.

Check them out on socials:

https://ecrmusicgroup.com/labels/meridian/heroic-enthusiasts/
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeroicEnthusiasts/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/27HE97d4Pog3JWMqckNsxD?si=hFff57jVTDiV64A5jv4LTQ
https://www.youtube.com/@theheroicenthusiasts
https://www.instagram.com/theheroicenthusiasts/

“Wake Me When It's Over” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.