The Altons
Heartache In Room 14
Penrose/Daptone Records [2025]
“With Heartache in Room 14, The Altons prove that timeless soul melodies and deep emotion never go out of style.”
Album Overview: The Altons hail from Los Angeles, crafting music deeply rooted in classic soul while reflecting their multicultural upbringing. Fronted by Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce, the band has gained recognition for their seamless vocal chemistry and timeless songwriting. Signed to Daptone Records, they’ve built a reputation for heartfelt performances and a sound that blends vintage influences with contemporary sensibilities. Heartache in Room 14 is a collection of duets that channel the spirit of Motown and Stax while maintaining a fresh perspective shaped by the band’s LA roots. Across the album, Flores and Ponce explore love, loss, and longing, weaving their voices together in a way that feels both immediate and enduring. The music captures the raw emotion of heartbreak while celebrating connection through melody and rhythm. The album unfolds at a deliberate, slow-burning pace, letting every note and harmony sink in piece by piece, line by line.
Musical Style: The Altons embrace a classic soul foundation, blending elements of bolero, R&B, jazz, and rock. Their instrumentation balances warm, vintage textures with crisp modern production, creating a rich backdrop for their striking vocal interplay. Smooth grooves, expressive guitar work, and steady rhythms bring depth to their songs, evoking an atmosphere both nostalgic and fresh.
Evolution of Sound: With Heartache in Room 14, The Altons refine their approach, leaning into their dual vocal dynamic more than ever before. The album’s live feel and attention to harmony showcase their growth as songwriters and performers. Each track contributes to an overarching theme, making this record more cohesive and intentional than their earlier work.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Thee Sacred Souls, Durand Jones & The Indications, and Los Yesterdays will find plenty to love in The Altons’ music. Their ability to blend old-school soul with a contemporary edge also places them in the realm of artists like Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes) and The Dip.
Pivotal Tracks: “Your Light” is a heartfelt moment of realization and devotion, featuring an intimate call-and-response structure that highlights the chemistry between Flores and Ponce. “Del Cielo Te Cuido” taps into a deeply personal Latin space, blending soul with Spanish guitar in a surprising and evocative way. Album opener “Waiting” sets the tone with raw vulnerability and smooth delivery, while “Float” delivers an irresistible groove. “Tangled Up in You” simmers with understated allure, and “Over and Over” builds to a cathartic release, offering one of the album’s most powerful moments.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics on Heartache in Room 14 capture both personal and universal themes, exploring heartache, devotion, and introspection. Flores and Ponce deliver their words with sincerity, making each track feel like a lived experience. Whether expressing deep longing or quiet resilience, their storytelling remains at the forefront, giving the album an emotional depth that lingers long after the final note.
Final Groove: Heartache in Room 14 is a testament to The Altons’ ability to bridge eras, blending classic soul with a modern sensibility that feels both familiar and new. The album’s deliberate pacing allows its emotions to resonate, creating a deeply immersive experience. While rooted in heartbreak, its melodies and harmonies offer a sense of warmth and connection. As The Altons continue to evolve, Heartache in Room 14 serves as both a reflection of their growth and a promising glimpse of what’s to come.
THE ALTONS LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Daptone Records
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