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Song

Last Days Of Rome

Artist

Hearts & Souls 

Hearts & Souls backstory

It’s a hat-trick of Red Hot Tracks for Yorkshire’s throwback rockers Hearts & Souls and Last Days Of Rome hints at what’s to come from the band’s debut album of the same name.

Andy Hawkins continues to co-produce alongside Black Eyed Sons/Hillbilly Vegas six stringer Paul Guerin, who also appears on this month’s new single.

But as Hearts & Souls look to the future their rootsy rock is evolving at pace.

Hawkins contributes keys and additional instrumentation to the band’s new material.

Meanwhile Stephen Patterson (drums), Conrad Clenton (saxophone) and Michelle (backing vocals) have joined an expanding line-up.

Following a brief stint as a touring member of The Quireboys, Smithson saw the potential for Hearts & Souls to become a fully-fledged band.

And he hooked up with long-time collaborator Tom Q Cusic to write what would become the band’s debut EP.

Smithson and Cusic have since performed alongside Hanoi Rocks, Dan Baird & Homemade Sin, Mick Ralphs’ Bad Company and more.

But the last 12 months has seen the focus shift firmly towards wrapping what’s become one of the most hotly anticipated NWOCR debuts in years. 

In Hearts & Souls’ own words

“We’re very excited to be putting this out there.

“Paul Guerin’s contributed the main guitar solo on this tune as well as co-producing with Andy Hawkins.

“It’s great to continue our relationship with him.”

The verdict on Last Days Of Rome

A blistering highlight, Guerin’s scorching solo surely represents the very best of the Blyth-born guitarist’s work. 

It’s a perfect fit for what might just be Hearts & Souls’ most beguiling piece of work to date.

Smithson was born to channel classic Bruce Springsteen and this stirring single doubles up as a fitting homage to the Boss.

The production’s perfect for Hearts & Souls’ rootsy Americana — maintaining the band’s raw emotion without ignoring the need to commercialise a compelling product.

In fact, Last Days Of Rome really wouldn’t sound out of place A-listed on Planet Rock or Radio Two with its earworm of a melody and relatable narrative.

Smithson, Cusic and Guerin are a genuine triple threat under the guidance of the multi-talented Hawkins.

Last Days Of Rome is Hearts & Souls’ best work yet. 

What’s next for Hearts & Souls

The band is adding the finishing touches to their debut album with a 2027 release on the cards.

Hearts & Souls support Rushonrock favourites Juliet’s Not Dead at Nightrain in Bradford on October 23.