Underappreciated overachiever duo The Heroic Enthusiasts return with an anthemic bit of power balladry with a sound that’s nostalgic for the synths-run 80s… and with a mix done by an industry legend and performances carried out by a pair of consummate professionals, ‘Tears Run Rings’ is a delightfully fresh and exciting take on a classic that has seen us have it on repeat for longer than a healthy amount of time.
Rochester, New York-based duo The Heroic Enthusiasts is composed of vocalist James Tabbi, whose caramel sweet delivery carries the same gravitas and effeminate passion as a-ha’s Morten Harket -Tabbi’s contemporary-, and guitarist Thomas Ferrara whose spacey, rhythmic leads give this cover its fresh and modern makeover, essentially setting it apart from the beloved Marc Almond classic.
The duo also managed to get legendary producer Stephen Hague on their team for this release. With an illustrious resume that features names such as New Order, Peter Gabriel, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Pet Shop Boys, Hague’s experience and abilities are so prominent to even begin to explain. Indeed, what he brings to the table on this cover release is a flair of effortlessness courtesy of a steady, balanced beat, and a modest take on the sounds of guitars and synths, giving the song a similar, pumping feel to that of the 80s classic, but injecting it with enough panache and modernity to make it an unquestionable effort of The Heroic Enthusiasts. An unquestionable release of 2023 with all the roots extending gracefully and visibly back to the punk-dominated 80s.
The Heroic Enthusiasts are definitely up there in the list of other super-talented acts that many of us are yet to get acquainted with. Their cover of ‘Tears Run Rings’ is a valuable addition to the life of that classic Marc Almond song, and is equally so for the duo’s growing catalogue of terrifically executed releases.