Chicago’s beloved indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets return with “Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs”, a melancholic yet melodically rich gem and one of the undeniable highlights from their latest full-length offering, “Tethered Together”. With this emotionally resonant ballad, the band showcases once again their extraordinary ability to blend bittersweet sentiment with gleaming pop-rock textures, crafting a sonic experience that is moving and sonically immersive. “Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs” is a moody track that balances infectious pop sensibility with rock dynamics. From the very first notes, the listener is enveloped in a gentle soundscape – angular yet soft-edged guitars, mellow keyboard lines and a smoking rhythm section. Particularly noteworthy is the string quartet, which brings a sophisticated ELO-esque flair to the arrangement, adding a touch of baroque grandeur to this modern pop ballad. Frontman Erich Specht delivers an expressive vocal performance, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of the song’s theme. His lyrics are thoughtful and introspective, resonating with a personal honesty that is touching and universally relatable. The brilliance of Specht’s songwriting is matched by the subtle production of Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Cheap Trick), whose work ensures that every instrument breathes and shines without overpowering the song’s delicate emotional core. “Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs” is a song of rare beauty and character — meticulous in its craftsmanship, wise in its emotional depth, and mesmerizing in its execution. It speaks directly to the heart, leaving a lingering warmth long after the final note has faded. Push Puppets have truly reached a new artistic peak with this track, proving once more that they are a band of substance, style and sincerity. If “Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs” is any indication of what Tethered Together offers as a whole, then listeners owe it to themselves to explore the entire album. Simply put, music can be this beautiful — thanks to Push Puppets, we remember that again.
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
