Words by Kariann Tan

Suffice to say, 2018 has been daubed with a substantial amount of up and coming talent and artists all across the board. I suppose that it would also be safe to add that many rising artists have dropped works that have been lauded for more reasons than I can count. However, to have the ability to release these acclaimed records right from the get-go is a tough line to cross. With When My Heart Felt Volcanic, The Aces seem to have accomplished the near-impossible.

It was no surprise to me that this band would be making waves within the music community soon enough. After seeing them live for the first time in early February this year, their positive and carefree demeanor on stage caught my attention. I knew from there that they had something special and that their passion for music is so clearly laid out just by the way they exuded themselves.

So here we are - a couple months later, with their glittery-80s inspired debut album that represents them fiercely embarking into the pop scene. I can’t even begin to emphasize how well they managed to hit this one out of the park on their first go - as they effortlessly combine what we love the most about 80s music and the likes of modern synthpop bands such as HAIM and The 1975.

Just as you hit the play button, we’re instantly introduced to "Volcanic Love" - a track that swoops in with the anthemic introductory bars, assisted by a torrent of riffs and synths. We are then greeted by vocalist Cristal Ramirez who, not for a second, falters one bit under the bold production. The next handful of tracks flawlessly showcases the bands’ avid fascination with upbeat harmony, as observed in the track "Fake Nice". What’s amazing about this track, in particular, is its witty tongue-in-cheek lyricism that captures today’s problem with superficiality and you know, being fake. The fact that they were able to call out on this trend without coming off as cattish and prude, and instead make it look cute, certainly warrants praise for sure.

The melodies aren’t something worth glossing over. In fact, it’s the shining factor that elevates this debut album to a level above the rest. This is evidenced in one of their more optimistic tracks "Last Ones" where the chorus (and maybe the entire song itself) is something that is guaranteed to keep one on the dance floor due to its timely and excellent usage of repetition. "Holiday" is another no-brainer standout, as they rush in guns a blazing with a tune that's just too sweet to ignore.

Then we have "Bad Love" which stands out as one of the more complex treats that this album has to offer. There's no denying with regards to the Daft Punk's Get Lucky-esque influence that is reminiscent throughout the catchy melody. The bassline within this track is one to note, as it never manages to overstep its boundaries but instead contributes to the song.

Perhaps the track that left the most captivating mark on me would be the album’s closing track "Waiting For You", where the influence of Cyndi Lauper’s "Time After Time" gracefully meets with euphoria that is brought on by the intimate vocals of Ramirez. Whisked on an ethereal journey revolving around the concept of infatuation, it’s hard not to be left breathless by the track that slowly builds upon itself as it progresses. It’s as if the girls are imploring you to take their hand on this ride that they have paved out for themselves. And you can’t help but do.