ISN'T REAL

When a band spends a decade on the DIY circuit, playing an unrelenting barrage of shows in basements, backyards, and bars, it's not unusual for its members to hit a wall. It's a familiar story - burnout grabs hold, cracking the group's foundation and leading to disbandment. But in rare cases, something magical happens. New Bedford, MA's Half Hearted Hero refuses to fold under the weight of the responsibilities and pressures that come with adulthood. Instead, determined to continue, they started over. Employing a from-the-ground-up retooling of their approach, the band focused on the spontaneity and excitement so many artists lose over time. These qualities can be the difference between a good band and a great band, and Half Hearted Hero has expertly tapped into that with 2016's Isn't Real.