Moments ago, Northern Virginia-based alt-rock outfit Reluctant Zero released their brand-new single, “Hurt No More,” a tasty appetizer from the band’s forthcoming debut LP, Missing Time, slated for release later this year.
Explaining the song, the band shares, “‘Hurt No More’ is a song about someone trying to fix a problem that isn’t theirs to fix. I think, at some point in life, we’ve all felt compelled to help someone we didn’t know that well because we found something inside them that we connected with. ‘Hurt No More’ tries to encapsulate that feeling.”
Made up of Matthew Rector (guitar, vocals), Felix Barca (lead guitar), Dave Jones (bass), and Christ Scott (drums), when Reluctant Zero initially got together, they were a trio. After dropping two EPs, they added guitarist Felix Barca to the lineup in 2019.
During the pandemic. the associated lockdown and the halt of pretty much everything, Reluctant Zero utilized the time to write and lay down tracks for the impending Missing Time, which was produced by John Brooks
“Hurt No More” opens on rasping, chugging guitars, followed by the entry of bass and drums. Once the takes shape, it shifts from sparse and raw to fat and resonant, giving the tune a contagious harmonic profile. Matthew’s voice infuses the lyrics with hints of angsty punk savors, giving the song a simultaneous familiar yet innovative feel.
“Hearing your voice made me smile / I hadn’t heard it in quite a while / And I don’t wanna make it that long again, my dear / And if you make me save you, I suppose I will / I would rather spare you and just take your bitter pill / Cause I don’t wanna see you hurt no more.”
On the solo, Felix’s guitar lights up the atmosphere, imbuing the harmonics with incandescent licks. Exhibiting a marvelous finesse, he steers clear of strutting every lick he knows and, instead, injects the solo with tonal breathing space, offering notes room to move and expand.
“Hurt No More” demonstrates the talent of Reluctant Zero, delivering cogent alt-rock chock-full of luscious harmonic changes and excellent vocals.
Follow Reluctant Zero Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
