King Blue Heron Brings Back Early Emo Soulfulness With New Track

Over the past year, King Blue Heron has placed themselves at the forefront of the Pittsburgh music scene. After their successful debut single, Ora Et Labora, the band is releasing their second single, Allegheny River. Released August 23rd, the track is described by vocalist Emily Hardenberger as, “wayfaring, atmospheric, and wearied.” While the band has been playing it live for over a year now, each member recorded their parts in their homes before drummer, Lucas DiBlasi, mixed the final track.

‘Allegheny River’ opens with dreamy vocals and smooth guitars, making you feel like you’re gently floating down the song's namesake, the Allegheny River. The lyrics recount Emily's relationship with a friend in active addiction. As you listen through the song the intensity gradually increases until it reaches its peak, signifying the end of the relationship. The band aspired to keep the song simple yet impactful and, after listening through just once, you can feel the emotional pull they successfully managed to convey in the song.

Emily cites early 2010’s emo bands such as Turnover, Citizen, and Death Cab for Cutie as some of her musical influences, and that's no surprise. There are traces of some of those in King Blue Heron’s music, but their sound stands out in the Pittsburgh music scene. It's safe to say they’ve put themselves into a league of their own.

Emily says, “Our target audience is everybody! That’s maybe kind of a cop-out answer. We just want to see anyone who connects with our music in the crowd.” Currently, the band is only playing venues in the Pittsburgh area.

If you find yourself there, they are definitely worth a listen.

Listen here:

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