Release date: 12.06.2026

Label: High Roller Records

Review

First up we have the albums title track “City Pulse.” The intro kicks things off with weight and big open rhythms backed by twinkling synth melodies. Keys break things up before Devs velvety vocals flow in effortlessly. It is a slow song that has an airy feel to it and it is particularly noticeable on the warm, fuzzy choruses. Here you get more flowing vocal lines with some gentle backing ideas that lift the chorus of the ground. I love the the piano keys that bounce in the background emphasising the weight and slow stomping feel of the music. What a great song to start an album!

“Can’t Shake It” picks up the pace with pounding drums and driving synth lines. Light chugging rhythms help push the song forward especially on the verses while synths act as loving beds. Once again Dev injects his buttery vocals into the song with ease. There is this delightful nostalgia pumping through the veins of the song and it has caught my attention. It is catchy and sparkles in the sunlight. The solo work is glorious, with a wonderful tone that helps it ignite and break the mix. Ultimately the guitar ideas throughout come in at all the right moments making this another excellent track.

“The Dose That Made You Poison” starts of with some delicate key melodies and soft vocal lines that feel like a serenade. Once again I have to say how Lockhart know how to catch that 80’s vibe perfectly with their music. As I journey through the track I can say it is full heart and passion moving between those loving moments where it feels like it is holding your hand to more uptempo passages. And just like like the first two tracks the guitars glisten which is something I am loving. The layered vocals add depth and texture all while Jason and Fabio are locked in the rhythm section!

“Together As None” just feel uplifting right from the get go. Thee bright synths start things off. The steady pace yet powerful delivery make this a strong song. I especially love the choruses that jump out at you all while the synths come in and out of the mix. Again the lead guitar work cuts right though making this another wonderful song. A perfect track to entertain your ears while having a morning coffee! And though we are only four tracks in there are those moments where will you will want to sing along. On this track the chorus especially is where the catchy lyrics will grab your attention!

“Under Fire” has this majestic swagger particularly helped by the 16th note hi-hat patterns. I can safely say that throughout this album I have got this sense of flow or if your moving along clouds and this song is no different. The production and writing choices make this feel wholesome. Jason and Fabio do a brilliant job at keeping a tight rhythm section while Dev smashes the vocal delivery out of the park. The synth melodies trickle along with the drums and bass lines with ease. The solo section I just wanted to step into the spotlight, get my air guitar out and throw some moves!

“Just Can’t Wait” like every track on this album feels like this magical trip back in time. Driving down the highway shades on with the sunset on the horizon. The whole thing leaves this warmth in your heart. From the opening synth lines to the catchy chorus lines of “Just Can’t Wait” you can see why this is a standout track on the album.

The layered vocals and driving instrumentation give the song real lift, and the way it shifts between ideas keeps it engaging from start to finish. The change in feel leading into the solo is a great moment, opening the track up before that tight little solo lands with real charm. Once it kicks back in the energy rises again, carrying the track home with confidence. It is one of those songs that feels effortless yet full of life.

“You Wouldn’t Know Love” knocks back the pace to an easy going 4/4 pace where things feel tight and strong. Jason pushes the song forward with his booming bass lines feeling every hit of Fabio’s drums. The magic flows with the synth work sparkling and glistening like the seas catching the rays of the sun. So many of these tracks feel like they have been lifted from an eighties, movie, show or video game and have me hooked! This song is no different and the whole sound that Lockhart have is refreshing to hear. Especially where we are in a time where imitation is rife and originality is hard to find among bands.

“Before The Fall” is a simple breathing moment where your ears are graced by the heavenly sounds of keys. Ultimately this little sequence feels like an intro to the last track which feels very fitting indeed.

We finally land on the magnificent ending track “No Chance In Heaven.” This was one of the first songs the band put out and you can hear why. Its rich, thick, glowing feel makes this song the perfect ending choice for a record. Like all the tracks before it is well written, catchy and is a delight on the ears. From the start everything comes in full strength with muscle. The choruses deliver more catchy vocal lines that will have you joining in. There is certainly emphasis on mood and feelings here making it feel a bit dramatic. But my favourite part has to be the solo section which feels like dev shooting electric beams towards the skies above with his guitar work. Towards the end it breaks down a little for moment before heading into one big chorus to lose out this killer album.

Conclusion

Lockhart have delivered a debut that feels vivid, confident and beautifully put together. From the opening moments of “City Pulse” to the final glow of “No Chance In Heaven,” the album moves with a steady sense of flow, carrying that nostalgic, synth‑lit atmosphere that runs through every track. It has a clear identity from the outset, and the band maintain that feeling across all the shifts in pace and mood without ever losing focus.

The songwriting is consistently sharp and the atmosphere never falters. There’s a clarity to the pacing and a real sense of intention behind how the album unfolds, making it easy to sink into from start to finish. Dev’s vocal performance brings everything together with a smooth, assured delivery that reflects how much he has grown as a musician, giving the record a clear centre and a lot of heart.

What stands out most is how cohesive the experience is. Whether the band lean into something reflective or something more upbeat, the identity of the album stays intact. It feels nostalgic done right, polished yet sincere, and full of colour, movement and emotional resonance.

A debut this evocative and this well‑realised is rare. A clear contender for my 2026 top ten.

TheNwothm Score: 10/10

Devon Kerr – vocals, guitars, keyboards
Jason Junop – bass
Fabio Alessandrini – drums

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Listentolockhart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentolockhart

Label: https://www.hrrecords.de