He-ART is the sixth album by the Dallas, USA-based Raging Bunch. It’s a personal collection hoping to bring a little more joy to their world and ours.

By Graeme Smith

“I make my art [and] my songs to my make myself happy,” Raging Bunch explains, “and if it ends up connecting with anyone else that happiness gets seriously amplified.”

Opening with the folksy Dream and A Song, we get an instant sense of connection in he-ART. The vocals have a lovable quality to them, and they pair nicely with the raw and jangly feel of its indie folk rock instrumental. It’s an album that’s easy to get into and doesn’t disappoint across its thirteen tracks.

We Go Boom is a bright and groovy number while Moon Walker Blues smoulders with a stripped-back sense of nostalgia. It’s a timeless tribute to the King of Pop. Texas Toast gives us a passionate and emotional moment while Almost Gone is delicate yet fierce. There’s quite a range of genres on display, even before the album gets to its midpoint, the soulful and loving Stickin Around.

The album’s second half keeps up this genre mixing while upping the emotional intensity. Jayson’s Drunk Again Making Friends is a beautifully vulnerable and storytelling number while Unwanted (Not Happy Here) is strikingly bittersweet. Not Tonight is a powerfully raucous highlight while Dallas Summer Rain closes the album in thoughtful and deliberate style.

When music is born from love and passion, it becomes incredibly compelling. That’s what we get with Raging Bunch’s sixth album.

He-ART is out now and you can give it a listen below.