If you’ve seen Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous,” you might recall the scene where band manager Dennis Hope, played by Jimmy Fallon, quips, “If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age fifty, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken.” Fast forward to today, not only are The Rolling Stones still rocking stadiums, but The UnHeard are here to prove Dennis Hope wrong. Their debut album, “Rising Wind,” released on June 13, 2024, is a testament to the enduring power of rock.
The album opens with “Cold,” where guitarist/vocalist Vaughan Evans launches into a wild riff, soon joined by drummer Charles Wilby’s thunderous beat and the rest of the band—guitarist/vocalist Bruce Hughes and bassist/vocalist Bob Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald’s commanding vocal performance ensures that the listener will never see this as being “Grandpa’s band.” Although the band members are seasoned, they’re not resting on their laurels. While the album echoes the spirit of 1970s rock, it’s not a nostalgic trip; it’s a celebration of the present.
Producing some of their best work in their 50s and 60s, The UnHeard demonstrate that age is no barrier to creativity. Bruce Hughes, often dubbed the “Miracle Man” for surviving a series of strokes in 2017, embodies resilience, much like the band itself. Throughout the album’s eight tracks, Fitzgerald, Hughes, and Evans each take their turn at the microphone, creating an undeniable energy.
The third track, also named “Rising Wind”, stands out to me as being the best one on the album. Recorded over nine months, James Morrison’s stellar production captures every drop of sweat in the studio. You may recall that I’ve featured Morrison in a recent review of Free to Grow’s “Lady of the North (and Other Fine Stories)” EP. Tracking took place at ‘Stairway to Devon,’ with mixing and mastering completed at ‘Good Karma Productions,’ both located in Fredericton, NB.
I had the privilege of seeing The UnHeard perform at Fredericton’s Harvest Music Festival this past September. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable as the band played the entire album. Their stage presence and sheer joy in performing were infectious. Young musicians could learn a lot from these veterans about what it truly means to be an artist. Arthritis, hip replacements, and other ailments fade away once the music starts — it’s about making the present moment the best it can be. I left the show reflecting on how the only limits we face are self-imposed. The UnHeard shatter those barriers like an elephant crushing a sedan. Go home, Dennis Hope! You’re drunk and your way of thinking is outdated!
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
