Austin’s Celestina Gravely teams up with Dean Hubbard and Justin Martinez on Kill the Heather, a genre-blending single fusing grunge, funk, post-punk, and blues-rock.
Celestina Gravely, from Austin, Texas, is known for playing indie rock while blending aspects from different genres, such as the introspective lyrics of emo, the energy from punk, and melancholic gothic elements.
For the past decade, she has been a regular performer at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Now, she’s joined forces with Dean Hubbard (bass) and Justin Martinez (drums) to form a dynamic trio. Together, they’ve released Kill the Heather—and it’s quite a ride.
The track bursts open with a solid bass line and a crisp 4/4 drumbeat driven by snare and hi-hats. Gravely enters with an intense first verse, delivering lines like “breaking the cage that offers to release you, struggling not to change.” The lyric seems to reflect a personal perspective—offering someone a lifeline they refuse to take, even though it could free them from a difficult situation—something many listeners may connect with.
The chorus lands with force, its grungy instrumentation and layered harmonies creating an energetic, exciting hook. After a second verse and chorus, a short but bold bass solo takes centre stage, accompanied by light piano melodies that add a funk-inspired twist to the song.
The bridge begins gently, before shifting abruptly from a rhythmic, psychedelic feel into something more post-punk. The heavy bass line continues to anchor the track, while aggressive guitar and an unrelenting snare beat drive it forward. This builds into a blues-rock section featuring another powerful bass solo, catapulting the song into a fresh dimension of alternative rock.
“An explosion of sound. With so many shifts in rhythm and tempo, this one will get you up on your feet for sure!”
Ultimately, Kill the Heather is a genre-spanning single that will resonate with fans across the musical spectrum. It delivers funk, post-punk, and more—blended seamlessly—and leaves you eager to hear what this trio does next.
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Words by Sian Evans.
