They welcomed us to the summer earlier this year but what about when autumn shadows and damp clouds rear their head? It is the question that has stemmed from every misty morn and rain-wearing chill so far but never fear for NARCOTIC HEARTS have that covered too. The UK rockers are poised to release their sophomore album and if you were wearing a warm smile courtesy of their recent sun festive single, Summer’s Coming, don’t be surprised if Open Up Your Mind’s Eye has you grinning and bouncing like a lunatic.

It is a reaction that the band’s striking self-titled debut album sparked here and similarly a great many back in 2022 and keenly repeated from the moment that Open Up Your Mind’s Eye leapt from the speakers. In fact the album has proved even more devilish and cunning in that manipulation, its collection of tracks building on the prowess of that first offering with more keen adventure and creative maturity aligned to juvenile energy. Produced by Gary ‘Sticks’ Hawkins, Open Up Your Mind’s Eye is described as “A much more direct offering than the band’s debut”. It is a valid description but neglects to say that the album is also a more hungrily eclectic and mischievously dynamic encounter.

Hailing from the unassuming yet richly potent St Albans music scene, NARCOTIC HEARTS emerged from Covid lockdown enslaved Hertfordshire cult heroes TUESDAY CLUB, and is similarly part of the city’s Perfect Pop-Co label family. The band has been leaving attention grabbing moments around the place ever since with that acclaimed first album surrounded the  quartet’s infectious live exploits which has seen them share stages with the likes of MY LIFE STORY, EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS and THE WOODENTOPS and headline and play numerous other high profile events.

In saying that though, we can only suggest things are going to get bigger and busier once Open Up Your Mind’s Eye descends on ears. It is just as  industrious trying to really tag the band’s sound. You can call it new wave, punk rock or glam pop bred (they call it outsider pop) yet equally it is ’77 nostalgic and post 2025 suggestive bringing constant variety and adventure. It shares intrigue, mystery and joy by the moment across the new album and instantly as the album opens with Do It For The Love. The song joyfully erupts from the speakers with a beaming grin of a hook and a rhythmic shuffle causing instinctive movement. From that moment it is an affair of punk and indie pop contagion, a rousing feel good incitement for eager attention and participation and a coaxing escalating with every handclap, flirtatious groove and nagging burst of energy.