The Empty Hearts, a new band featuring members of The Cars, Blondie, The Romantics and Chesterfield Kings, have signed to 429 Records for the debut album, "The Empty Hearts." The band, consisting of four iconic players and musical peers, features Wally Palmar on vocals, Elliot Easton on guitars, Andy Babiuk on bass and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clem Burke on drums. Co-produced by the band and Ed Stasium, The Empty Hearts is a raucous collection of tunes with each player s rock n roll stripes on display a bracing sound shaped by influences which span decades and include 50 s American roots rock n roll, 60 s British invasion and 70 s garage-punk. The album was recorded at Fab Gear Studios in Rochester, NY and also includes the Faces Hall of Fame keyboardist Ian McLagan on Hammond organs and Wurlitzer.
The Empty Hearts (a name coined by Little Steven from his secret list of unused band names), is a band who sound like musical cohorts all came of age in the 70 s and 80 s music scenes and play by a DIY punk rock code of ethics. They are all connected having come together as a band of friends Babiuk called up Palmar looking to start something new and shortly thereafter, Palmar connected with Burke who then brought in Easton. A self-proclaimed band of rock and roll lifers , the chemistry clicked immediately.
Says Clem Burke: Those common influences are what brought us together. We re survivors and lifers of rock n roll. We take from everything that s come before musically. A lot of people have never heard or seen a band like this. There s a freshness to it, at the same time as it s a recollection of the past.