Shaky returns with "In a Heartbeat," the first single from his new album, "Kinda Wild II." This is a sentimental trip down memory lane, and it comes out with "Bait" as the B-side. It reflects how the artist's sound has shifted over time and serves as a salute to the DIY music scene that shaped him in his early years.
"In a Heartbeat," with its hot, thoughtful tone, captures the spirit of young people in Philly. The song's structure is naturally flowing, and its emotional honesty and glossy feel draw people in. The single is accompanied by a music video directed by Philadelphia filmmaker Joe Lee. The video features Shaky's former band, Cold Fronts (Sire/Warner Bros.), and The Rathaus, Shaky's DIY venue that was a central meeting place for the local music community in Philadelphia.
There are 12 songs on "Kinda Wild II" that combine intimate life stories with untamed rock vibes, spanning a range of moods and themes. Songs like "Take It Away" are about being tough and overcoming workplace adversity. "Sugar" has more melody and singing, with guitars dripping with memories. Other songs like "Like What You See," "Stuck," "Memories," "Bait," "We Don't Hate," and "Oh Alice" touch on themes of reflection, relationships, persistence, and self-discovery.
The music video enhances the song's reflective appeal, offering fans both a personal and a historical glimpse into Philadelphia's indie music scene. "In a Heartbeat" is a way to connect with your emotions in the past and the present. "In a Heartbeat" illustrates how powerful storytelling can be in a song, especially for those seeking inspiration. This single is certainly a must-listen, not just because of its brooding theme and lush musical accompaniment, but also because it comes from Philadelphia's indie landscape, and it goes beyond genre.
