Freak Heat Waves, Nothing Lasts Forever | Track Review 🎵

Canadian duo Freak Heat Waves deliver quite the vibe on “Nothing Lasts Forever,” a single from their 2020 LP, Zap the Planet. 

Just in case you are unfamiliar with Freak Heat Waves like I was, FHW is a Canadian post-punk/electronic duo.  Plenty has been written about the post-punk style and post-punk bands, a movement that followed the punk revolution in the late 70s, but expanded and experimented with the sound, etc.  Not getting caught up in the background, we jump right into our analysis of “Nothing Lasts Forever,” a song accurately described as “a fuzzy, psychedelic cut.”  The duo further characterizes it as “an offhand bedroom pop song.” Whatever “Nothing Lasts Forever” is, well, it’s definitely a worthwhile, enjoyable listen.

Sure, the single from the duo’s August 5, 2020 album Zap the Planet is aimed at the alternative music crowd, but if you’re about a ‘vibe,’ you’ll be about this.  Calling the record hypnotic definitely wouldn’t be an overstatement in the least.  “Nothing Lasts Forever” features colorful production, which has a trippy, and again, ‘psychedelic’ quality. This includes detuned synths and subtle lead guitar, in addition to a robust bass line and an excellent groove that hearkens back to a different musical era.  Further amplifying the vibe are the unique vocals, sung in a low register.  The vocals certainly contribute to the hypnotic nature as they are purposely somnambulant in quality. One final noteworthy observation is the excellence of the pacing on this cut.  Freak Heat Waves use plenty of space and things never feel or sound crowded.

Final Thoughts

If you are seeking ear candy – you need that V-I-B-E – then Freak Heat Waves have you covered with “Nothing Lasts Forever.” It’s a winner thanks primarily to its colorful sounds.  Additionally, as aforementioned, the duo serves up great pacing and successfully hearkens back to the past while simultaneously sounding fresh and being progressive.  If “Nothing Lasts Forever” is any indication, Zap the Planet should be a great album.

Freak Heat Waves • Zap the Planet • Release: 8.5.20

Photo Credits: Rober t Di Ninno, Zap the Planet