Heart of the Matter

After years of dizzying highs, hard-earned lessons and a lifetime of stories, drummer Evan Walsh is entering a thrilling new era with The Savage Hearts.

The band’s latest single, ‘Dead Letters’, released July 31 through UK independent label Blaggers Records, marks a fearless new chapter - one built on ambition, freedom and a sound that continues to evolve.

Driven by swirling guitars, hypnotic textures and psychedelic edges, the track sees Evan and company push beyond familiar territory while embracing the experimental spirit of classic garage rock.

“There’s a bit of that Revolver-era Beatles influence in there,” explains Evan. “The backwards guitars and that slightly dreamy atmosphere underneath it. It’s something I’m really enjoying exploring.”

And there is plenty more to come. The Savage Hearts already have further releases lined up, live dates planned and an album project taking shape for early next year.

Focus

As a fresh faced teenager with The Strypes, Evan went from local stages to global attention almost overnight. The band signed a major label deal, released four Top 10 albums, toured internationally and shared stages with some of the biggest names in music.

Despite the noise, he remained focused on what mattered most: the music.

“I remember someone saying during one of the behind-the-scenes label things that they wished it could just be about the music, but that getting us seen at the right parties in London and being around the right people was what would make a difference,” he recalls. “I remember thinking, ‘This is absolute rubbish’. It just didn’t sit right with me.”

The Savage Hearts signed with Blaggers Records earlier this year after discussions began around January or February, with Evan excited to work with a label whose roster reflects such a broad range of talent.

Passion

The decision followed 18 months of weighing up different options before finding the right direction.

“I think we’re the only Irish band on their books at the moment, which is nice.”

Experience has shaped Evan’s approach to The Savage Hearts- a project built around creative freedom, collaboration and a closer connection with the people bringing the music to life.

“With a smaller label, they’re looking for things that excite them too,” he says.

The Savage Hearts has grown into a true band project, with ‘Dead Letters’ representing their most collaborative work to date.

The current line-up sees Evan joined by Darragh Muldoon on vocals, Steph Byrne on guitar and vocals, and Sam Morrissey on bass.

“That’s the environment I’m happiest in. A group of people in a room creating together,” says Evan. “It feels like the final pieces have fallen into place.”

Reunion

The spirit of The Strypes though was reignited recently when Evan reunited on stage with former bandmate Pete O’Hanlon at Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival in Emo, Co Laois.

O’Hanlon- who later played alongside Evan in The Zen Arcade- joined The Savage Hearts for a special appearance featuring harmonica, guitar and percussion. It was the pair’s first time performing together in almost five years.

“It was brilliant,” reflects Evan.

With O’Hanlon now back in Cavan after years living in America, the reunion felt “natural”.

“We were talking and thought, ‘Since we’re all back together, it would be silly not to do something.’ The thing we always enjoyed most was just playing together, and it’s something we’d love to do- have him guest with us again.”

Rewind

Next comes another landmark moment, with The Savage Hearts preparing to return to Electric Picnic on August 30.

In 2012, The Strypes delivered a now-legendary breakout performance on the newly introduced Trailer Park Stage, becoming one of the festival’s biggest talking points. Evan was just 15 years old, and the band arrived dressed in matching stage outfits.

“It feels like a lifetime ago now,” he laughs.

The memory, however, remains vivid.

The Strypes played several slots across the 2012 festival, beginning with a Friday night performance in Body & Soul before returning to the Trailer Park Stage throughout the weekend.

“We were up on this huge elevated stage with loads of caravans stacked up. It felt like we were on a watchtower. It was bizarre.”

Those performances helped propel the band further into the national spotlight, with publications including Hot Press and The Irish Times’ Ticket supplement urging festival-goers to catch their sets. Among the crowds were familiar faces including Ryan Tubridy, who had previously featured the band on The Late Late Toy Show; actor Aidan Gillen; and filmmaker Neil Jordan among others.

Momentum

More than a decade later, Evan returns not as a teenage prodigy chasing a dream, but as a seasoned musician. Along the way, he has added to his Picnic CV through projects including Classic Yellow, Lilac and The Mighty Stef.

This year marks The Savage Hearts’ third appearance.

“Funny enough, we’re on the Trailer Park stage, back where it all started with The Strypes,” says Evan. “We’re really looking forward to it. There’s momentum with the new single. The best thing really is being back playing with people who are excited about music and seeing where it can go.”