The Hero And The Victor – The Hero And The Victor
Indie Rock | 2007 | US | Damnoise Records
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: this album doesn’t mess around. Released in 2007 by the dynamic duo Tyler Hegner (bass, guitar, vocals—basically a one-man band) and Tariq Mills (drums), The Hero And The Victor is like that under-the-radar indie rock gem you stumble upon at a thrift store. You know, the kind of find where you’re like, “Wait, why isn’t this everywhere?” Spoiler alert: it should be.
First off, kudos to Wendy Tung for the art direction and design—it's got that gritty, DIY vibe that screams “we didn’t have a budget, but we made it work.” And props to Dave Travis for mastering because, honestly, these tracks sound tight. Timothy Beutler deserves a medal—or at least a free coffee—for recording, engineering, and mixing this beast.
Now, onto the music. With eleven tracks clocking in at just over 40 minutes, it’s punchy, raw, and unapologetically indie. But two songs really stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk: "Plan For The Worst" and "Like A Hole In A Boat."
"Plan For The Worst" kicks off with this driving bassline that feels like your heart skipping a beat after too much caffeine. Tyler’s vocals are somewhere between “I’m yelling into a void” and “I’m trying not to wake my neighbors,” which somehow works. It’s chaotic in all the right ways, like when life throws curveballs but you’re too stubborn to duck. By the time the chorus hits, you’re hooked. You’ll probably air-drum along even if you’ve never held drumsticks in your life.
Then there’s "Like A Hole In A Boat," which is exactly what it sounds like—a slow leak of existential dread wrapped up in killer riffs. It starts mellow, almost dreamy, then BAM! Tariq’s drumming crashes in like an unwelcome houseguest who refuses to leave. The lyrics? Cryptic enough to make you think deep thoughts while also being vague enough to apply to any bad day ever. Honestly, it’s relatable AF.
Other standout moments include "Rome," which feels like running through cobblestone streets chasing something you can’t quite catch, and "Sulfur Burning," which might as well come with a warning label for how hard it’ll make you nod your head. Oh, and shoutout to "Untitled Flight For Icarus"—because naming a song “Untitled” is peak indie move.
What makes this album stick? Maybe it’s the lo-fi charm or the way Tyler and Tariq seem to pour every ounce of their souls into each track. Or maybe it’s just that it reminds you of simpler times when indie rock wasn’t trying so hard to be cool. Either way, it’s worth a listen.
So here’s the kicker: If you’re looking for polished perfection, keep scrolling. But if you want real, messy, human music that feels like a conversation with old friends, grab yourself a copy of The Hero And The Victor. Heck, throw it on vinyl if you can find one. Just don’t blame me when you start air-guitaring in public.
Oh, and fun fact: Cover artist Tariq Mills doubles as the drummer. Multitasking goals unlocked.
