Cranked Up & Reckless – Nick Earle and The Reckless Hearts Bring the Heat with Under the Influence

Hold onto your air guitars and crack a cold one — because Nick Earle and The Reckless Hearts have just dropped a rock ‘n’ roll grenade into our playlists, and it goes by the name Under the Influence. These hometown heroes, known for their fiery live sets and unfiltered passion, are back with a full-length album that absolutely rips from start to finish. If you’ve been sleeping on this band — WAKE UP. This is your invitation to fall headfirst into a gritty, glorious, and unapologetically loud rock album straight from our own province.

Now the band has been grinding it out for six years, building a name with their gritty live shows and unmistakable chemistry. You might’ve even caught them (like I did — albeit for the last minute while I was scrambling to get my festival pass!) opening for Nickelback at last year’s Churchill Park Music Festival. That brief taste was enough to pique my interest, but now that I’ve heard the full album? Consider me officially converted.

Now Let’s talk lineup. Leading the charge is Nick Earle, who delivers vocals with equal parts soul and swagger. On guitar is Andrew Rodgers — a name that should definitely ring a bell if you’ve ever listened to Fairgale (another local gem). Holding down the rhythm section is bassist Clare Follett, who brings groove and finesse in equal measure, and drummer Dan George, whose precise and powerful playing drives every track with purpose. Together, they’re tight, fearless, and dripping with chemistry.

So what’s Under the Influence all about? It’s a rock album with roots that dig deep — classic tones, modern punch, and lyrics that cut through the noise. Here’s the track-by-track breakdown:

1: Ocean View

The album opens with “Ocean View,” and let me just say: vibes. The smooth, sun-drenched guitar work pairs with lyrics that make you feel like you’re leaning out the window of a rusty old truck, chasing the coastline. It’s nostalgic, cinematic, and somehow manages to feel both wide open and deeply personal. This is the kind of song that sets a tone—it’s not here to scream, it’s here to soak in, and by the end of the first chorus, you’ll be in.

2: Bottle The Sun

This one cranks it up. “Bottle The Sun” is your classic, guitar-forward rock track—the kind that would light up a stage and get everyone out of their seats. There’s something pure and raw about it, like a nod to early 2000s alt-rock but with that modern edge only this band could pull off. You can feel the chemistry between the band members here—especially the duel between Nick’s gritty vocals and Andrew’s guitar leads. Summer anthem potential? Through the roof.

3: Nostalgia Attack

High-energy, high-impact—“Nostalgia Attack” is such a jam. I absolutely love this one. It feels like a sugar rush of memory and emotion, like that split second you remember your first heartbreak or the friends you used to be inseparable with. It races through your veins, with pounding drums and a killer bassline from Clare that keeps it all grounded. Definitely one of the most alive tracks on the album.

4: One That I’ve Been Looking For

Okay. Hold up. THIS is my absolute favourite track. “One That I’ve Been Looking For” is a moment. From the opening riff to the final chorus, it had me grinning like an idiot. It’s hopeful without being cheesy, romantic without being sappy. There’s a heart in this track that just gets it—whether it’s your person, your dream, or even yourself that you’ve been searching for. Nick’s vocal delivery here is perfection, and the melody is one you’ll be humming for days.

5: Borrowing Happiness

This one is soft but strong. “Borrowing Happiness” has this bittersweet honesty to it—like the idea that we’re all just getting by, trying to borrow a little joy from wherever we can. The instrumentation is stunning, with moody guitar lines and subtle build-ups that swell into something beautiful. It’s introspective, quietly powerful, and totally unforgettable. I love this one.

6: Doesn’t Anybody Hear It

If you’re a fan of coming-of-age movies, this is your soundtrack. “Doesn’t Anybody Hear It” has that main-character energy. It feels like it should be playing over the final scene of a film where someone drives away into the sunset, unsure of what’s next but finally free. The lyrics ask the big questions in such a relatable way, and the musical arrangement feels like growing up. Love love love this one.

7 : Best Of Me

“Best Of Me” slows things down a little, with a love song that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. It’s not flashy, it’s honest. There’s something about the way Nick delivers the vocals that makes you believe every single word. It’s the kind of song you send to someone at 2 a.m. with no context. Tender, simple, and full of soul.

8: What You Asked For

Now we’re back to bangers. “What You Asked For” brings the attitude. It’s confident, punchy, and struts with the kind of rhythm that makes you wanna stomp your feet and shout the lyrics. There’s a bit of grit here that’s addictive—it’s definitely a standout and one that’s going to sound epic live.

9: Dive Bar

Oh man, this track. “Dive Bar” is deceptively upbeat, with lyrics that’ll gut-punch you if you’re not ready. “I wish heaven was a dive bar”? Absolute chills. That line hits hard. There’s a beautiful duality here—music that makes you dance, lyrics that make you think. The band balances light and dark in such a sophisticated, compelling way. Definitely give this one a spin, even if it’s the only one you check out (but seriously, don’t stop there).

10: Running On Fumes

The album closer, “Running On Fumes,” wraps things up with emotion and reflection. It’s a heartfelt finish, the kind of track that feels like the aftermath of a storm. The build-up is slow and deliberate, and when it breaks—it breaks. You feel the exhaustion, the resilience, the spark that refuses to go out. A perfect send-off to a phenomenal record.

CONCLUSION:

“ Under The Influence” isn’t just an album—it’s a statement. Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts have delivered a record full of grit, soul, and unapologetic emotion. They’ve harnessed their experience, their chemistry, and their roots to create something that sounds as familiar as your favourite boots and as fresh as the first time you hit the open road.

Concert announcement!! :

At the time of this review (tonight!), the band is holding their official album release party at The Rockhouse on George Street. If you’re in the area—go. You can get your tickets here:

🎟️ Eventbrite Ticket Link

So Support local. Blast it loud. And Let’s gooooo!!