The Lionheart Brothers – ‘Hero Anthem’ (Rough Trade) Released 30/04/07

The Lionheart Brothers’ debut UK single feels like it’s out of time, belonging in the Summer of Love than in modern times. Opening with a thumping drum roll and some wistful organ there’s no doubting the psychedelic pop influences on the Norwegian quintet. Hazy vocals from Marcus Forsgren roll over the top with the odd bit of guitar weaving its way in . This ensures a blessed out vibe for the track, meaning it’s probably perfect to listen to on a warm summer’s afternoon, where it can lazily wash over you.

The flip side is a cover of 10,000 Manics’ ‘My Mother The War’, and features the same organ heavy mood throughout. Both tracks are pleasing at first but also quite forgettable, the band not managing to really imprint themselves on the listener for long. It’s too laid back, almost to the point of sounding lethargic.  Sadly, ‘Hero Anthem’ is best described as nice, meaning that while it passes the time there’s not much in the way of excitement here.