T.A. Narrative – Hearts Drive Forward (2025)
Known for their inimitable melodies, T.A. Narrative sweep their kaleidoscopic sonic wing across audiences, ensnaring senses from the outset, regardless of which song happens to reach your ears first – well, that’s my opinion. Somewhat like a chaotic bubble of sound, singles like ‘Loves Hold’, ‘Caught Out’ and ‘SWAY’ are not only immersive but highlight the Irish pair’s innovation and genre-blurring sound. We came across T.A. Narrative last year with their single ‘SWAY’ – a drag back to the early 2000s pop scene; today we take another look at ‘SWAY’ amidst several of T.A. Narrative’s energetic tunes on their EP, Hearts Drive Forward.
Drawing together the talents of childhood friends Tara Nix and Anna Murphy, Hearts Drive Forward is a rollercoaster ride exploring the complexities of human relationships from its triumphant “warm fuzzies” to tragic heartbreak. Opening with a 30-second intro, the pair veils hushed conversation with a heavy fog of distorted guitar; somewhat like walking through misty sonic woods, preparing for imps to jump out of the dark trees.
Following the intro, T.A. Narrative leads you along the murky path in its post-punk-infused track ‘Magic’. Interestingly, while there is a sombre foundation in its wistful instrumentation, the bold vocals capture ‘Magic’s message of new romance and its all-consuming joy. Happiness and excitement linger in ‘Magic’ in its synth-driven bounce; however, ‘Caught Out’ rushes forward in heartfelt despair brimming with poignant tragedy.
‘Caught Out’ introduces a bold alternative rock beat, which we hear again in ‘Hearts Drive Forward’ with its crash of guitar bringing a rough, confident brashness to its end. Yet, before that, ‘SWAY’ adds youthful innocence and playful pop to the new EP. Intriguing, fun, and a song to scream out to while swaying on the dancefloor, ‘SWAY’ lifts the mood, but darkness rides in the poetic lyricism.
Ending with ‘Awake For The Loss’, T.A. Narrative fuse high-paced, twinkling synths with a punch of harder indie-rock music. I find this intriguing because the final track is a declaration of strength, empowerment, and resilience despite the loss of love and romance. Produced with Chris Kirby, mixed by Chris Pawlusek, and mastered by Richard Dowling, Hearts Drive Forward is a sophisticated mix of moving melodies carrying listeners from euphoric highs to desperate lows. Yet, as much as the album’s production is mature, the vocals insert an intimate element offering solace, comfort and charm.
“It’s important to note how particularly challenging life feels right now, a collective struggle really. With that, it’s important to hold things in perspective. Hopefully, this can bring a sense of comfort and camaraderie to listeners; you’re not alone in your vulnerabilities.” – Tara Nix on Hearts Drive Forward
Find out more about T.A. Narrative on their X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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