REVIEW BY GAVIN WILLIAMS
‘HUNGER’
OUT SEPTEMBER NOW
Berlin-based band Maggot Heart, consisting of guitarist and singer Linnéa Olsson, bassist Olivia Airey, and drummer Uno Bruniusson, has been carving a unique path in the world of rock music. With a history rooted in the underground scene and influences ranging from The Stooges to Joy Division, Maggot Heart has consistently defied categorization. Their journey from the solo project’s inception in 2016 to their third album, ‘HUNGER’ is a testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation.
Originally hailing from Sweden, Linnéa Olsson formed Maggot Heart after making her mark in bands like The Oath and Beastmilk/Grave Pleasures. Since their explosive debut with the ‘City Girls’ EP, Maggot Heart has built a steady and unswerving following in the underground music scene. Their previous albums, ‘Dusk to Dusk’ and ‘Mercy Machine’ received some growing applause, and now, with ‘HUNGER’ they are set to shake things up even further.
‘HUNGER’ recorded in Berlin and mixed by the acclaimed producer Ben Greenberg, marks a continued evolution in Maggot Heart’s sound, The album seamlessly weaves elements of punk, noise rock, and Swedish ’70s proto-metal. Songs like ‘This Shadow’ and ‘Archer’ showcase Maggot Heart’s ability to blend simplicity with musical depth, incorporating abrasive pop hooks and progressive jazz brass. The rhythm section of Olivia Airey and Uno Bruniusson provides a solid foundation for Maggot Heart’s sonic exploration.
In Linnéa Olsson’s words, ‘A band is a family, a pact in blood, a strange and unique and incredible relationship ‘HUNGER’ stands as a testament to this bond, an intimate exploration of desire and desperation. It’s an album that goes for the gut. Even in its most subtle moments there’s an air of aggression. Sometimes simmering, sometimes blaring.
Linnéa Olsson’s musical journey has been a decade in the making, and with Maggot Heart’s third album, she has truly flourished. ‘HUNGER’ is a sonic journey that tramples over musical boundaries, drawing from a wide range of influences to create something fresh and intriguing. With this album, Maggot Heart proves that they are a band like no other, and although they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, they are sure to reach a whole new group of fans after this release.
7/10
HUNGER Track-Listing
1 Scandinavian Hunger
2 Nil by Mouth
3 LBD
4 Archer
5 This Shadow
6 Looking Back at You
7 Concrete Soup
8 Parasite
Catch Maggot Heart live at the following dates:
EU dates:
07/09/2023 PL Lodz Summer Dying Loud Festival
05/10/2023 DE Hamburg Hafenklang
06/10/2023 DE Bochum Die Trompete
07/10/2023 DE Berlin Urban Spree
UK dates:
11/11/2023 UK London The Black Heart
US dates (with Messa):
Oct 17 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
Oct 18 Hamden, CT Space Ballroom
Oct 19 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie
Oct 20 Washington. DC Comet Ping Pong
Oct 21 Cleveland, OH Beachland
Oct 22 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
Oct 23 Ypsilanti, MI Ziggy’s
Oct 24 Cincinnati, OH Woodward Theatre
Oct 25 Nashville, TN The Cobra
Oct 26 Atlanta, GA The Earl
Oct 27 Orlando, FL Will’s Pub
Oct 28 Miami, FL Gramps
Oct 30 New Orleans Gasa Gasa
Nov 1 Denton, TX Rubber Gloves
Nov 2 Austin, TX The Lost Well
Nov 5 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
Nov 7 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
Nov 8 Los Angeles, CA Zebulon
FOLLOW MAGGOT HEART
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
