No Heart is a Canadian band I’ve been following since around 2018, when they released the album Can’t Get Out. That record carried a fairly raw Oi!/street punk spirit that entertained me in a similar way to early recordings by Perkele. A ringing guitar clashing like swords in a duel, bass and drums locked in a stripped-down but solid groove, topped with a rough punk vocal and supported by attacking gang vocals. Exactly the kind of energy that has always drawn me to this genre. It also makes sense on their split with Claimed Choice, where this side of the band is clearly on display.
Over time, though, the band went through a natural evolution and started pushing their sound toward mod revival. Glam influences, stronger melodies, and a certain looseness in the arrangements became more noticeable, and a second guitar was added to the lineup. It was in this phase that they recorded For The Real Ones in 2024, although it only reached distribution after its release in 2025. The record came out as a collaboration between the labels Longshot Music and Bords De Seine, which in itself signals a certain level of quality within the genre.
The album contains eight tracks — seven originals and one cover of Slade, namely Them Kinda Monkeys Can’t Swing from 1974. It opens with the driving North Park Night, where mod revival influences are immediately obvious — brisk tempo, catchy motifs, and a tight rhythm section. The same spirit continues with Just Another Victim. Try putting on the band’s older material and then these two tracks: it becomes clear how much the second guitar reshaped No Heart’s sound and pushed it closer to a glam feel. Closer to their original, more straightforward and dynamic punk style is Cunts Like You. Side A closes with the slower and slightly melancholic Bad Words, showing a calmer, moodier side of the band.
Side B kicks off with the more reflective What’s The Story, which is one of my personal favorites on the album. It might also be the closest to a classic mod revival sound, both in its arrangement and overall atmosphere. I enjoy how the song is structured: it flows naturally, the individual parts connect smoothly, and the band showcases almost their entire arsenal here. After the aforementioned Slade cover comes the punk’n’roll ripper Broken Bottles, which feels like the most aggressive track on the record. The album closes with the standout Remain, carrying a slightly dark atmosphere and a hint of working-class frustration; musically, though, it works perfectly and sticks in your head after it ends.
Following No Heart over a longer period, I get the impression of a group of guys who’ve lived in this subculture their whole lives and started a band mainly for the joy of it. They play the music they love, without exaggerated ambitions, without the need to push too hard or impress with big statements. That’s exactly why their recordings feel honest and full of genuine enjoyment. The result is an album with a clear stylistic focus, a recognizable identity, and a natural authenticity. I’ve also noticed that there’s a DJ collective around this crew organizing vinyl nights, which only underlines their deep roots in the scene.
Every city needs both a crew of seasoned veterans who do it for the love of the subculture and younger kids who discover it with excitement and start new projects. That’s our chance to keep this sound alive for future generations. So which side are you on? The older guard that’s already been through something, like me? Or are you just getting started and about to launch your first band?
TOP TRACKS: What’s The Story, Remain, North Park Night
