Formed after the split of two rival Texan bands, Hearts Fail are a group of musicians in their early to mid-20s but with a penchant for melodic goth rock, they betray their relative youth. Apparently, their influences range between Joy Division, The Smiths, Radiohead and The Smashing Pumpkins but in reality they recall the less fashionable sound of late 80s groups such as The Mission. There is certainly not a lot wrong with that and they possess a similar talent for writing a decent melody. Occasionally Edward Wagner's deep vocals struggle to stick to the guitar melodies but amends are made on the melodramatic 'Crashing Waves' and the excellent finale 'Out Of Touch' both of which show an understanding of the Chameleons' chiming guitar sound. Although there's nothing particularly new on show here, this is a solid effort which admirably recaptures a gift for hook-filled songwriting within dark atmospheres.