When Rattle Bones released their debut single ‘Silver Bullets’ in January 2025, they immediately made a strong impression with their combination of hard edged guitar riffs and lyrical hooks. The band’s sound had a very retro appeal; there were moments during that number where the riffs took on a blues-edged swagger akin to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Oh Well, Part 1’, but dropping into more of a hard rock bluster, the band conveyed even more of a fiery edge that suggested that these lads had been inspired by the legendary pre-grunge acts that ruled the hard rock airwaves between 1989-1991.

Across a series of almost equally strong tracks – released on a monthly basis – the Rattle Bones machine continued to gain traction, and by the time ‘Sleepwalking’ hit the streamers in May, potential fans would have been introduced to one of the best old school rock bands since Silveroller broke through with their debut EP almost a year earlier.

The band’s brand new single ‘Desert Heart’ showcases a more sedate Rattle Bones, with frontman Gary Martin confirming that the song is “about those searching for something unknown on the road less travelled”. The themes of searching and reflection are certainly suited to the sometimes quieter arrangement, but those already familiar with the band shouldn’t worry that a more melodic leaning could lead to something less powerful. ‘Desert Heart’ brims with a musical power that shows off Rattle Bones with a pleasing maturity.

Taking on a mid tempo and pushing a rootsy sounding guitar to the fore, the band present a classic sound from the very start. Gary’s vocals take on a slightly different tone to past Rattle Bones fare, almost sharing a distant echo of White Lion’s Mike Tramp during the verses, but once everything hits its stride, fans will hear a few musical flourishes that are a little more familiar drawing from the slightly southern tinged bluesy rock of Tangier, but the addition of a few spookier sounding vibes ensures this never sounds like a carbon copy of any of its main influences. The track is certainly more of a slow burner than their much rockier ‘Terminal Romance’, but by showing them branching out, it suggests that Rattle Bones’ brand of revivalist classic rock has the potential for longevity, and time spent with this single suggests it has the chops to become one of their more enduring numbers to date.

‘Desert Heart’ will be released digitally on June 6th, 2025. In the meantime, you can watch the brand new video clip – presented as a premiere at Real Gone – below.