Young Heart Attack formed in the early years of the 21st century, and not long after signed to the British label XL Recordings. There were many early triumphs--pre-album singles released on the REX imprint, airplay on the BBC, and performances at the Reading and Leeds festivals. Their first album ("Mouthful of Love"/album of the week in NME) yielded the singles "Starlite," "Over and Over," and "Tommy Shots," the latter rising to the number two spot on the British rock charts (just behind Red Hot Chili Peppers). Despite such promising early success, XL chose not to extend the group's contract after one album. Their XL years included opening for Motorhead, The Darkness, Jet, The MC5 and Peaches. Though the band had built a strong following in the UK and Australia, internal strife drove YHA into a malaise of inactivity tantamount to disbanding. In the summer of 2006, former keyboardist Pauly Deathwish started meeting with lead singer Chris Hodge to write songs "for fun." In the haze of these druggy sessions, songs such as "Jump Into The Picture" and "Good Love" started to materialize. Lead singer Jennifer Stephens was brought into the writing process for the first time, penning a major portion of "Hell On Earth." Superstar producer and lead guitarist Frenchie Smith wrote a juggernaut-of-a-song in "Munki." As the record came together over a year's time, with Smith in the producer's chair, even new drummer Jayson Altman contributed co-authorship to "Drums of Revolution." The band started gigging again with its new rhythm section (Deathwish having become the bass player). A deal has been signed with UK label Not On Your Radio. The Young Heart Attack resurgence, against strong odds, is becoming a smashing reality. A record release date for the UK of their new album "Rock and Awe" is set for spring '08. The forthcoming opus features masterful guest-drumming on two tracks courtesy of Blondie's Clem Burke, and crystal-clear mixes by Robbie Adams (U2, Smashing Pumpkins). YHA makes their return to Britain in late March/early April, followed by a whirlwind tour of Spain. YHA has matured and found an inner voice from which is dictated slower tempos, confidence, and unabashed soaring melodies. The most fascinating aspect of the band's reemergence might best be summed up with a Zombies lyric. As Colin Blunstone sang, "This will be our year--took a long time to come." Young Heart Attack's album "Rock and Awe" is a true specimen of a band living the DIY-dream.
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/65723.html
