Acoustic harmony group Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy (VZHM) debut their single “Here Comes Tomorrow” on December 6, 2024, the first track from their album Four Ever. Written by Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter Thomas Balistreri, the track feels both deeply personal and universally resonant—a testament to its origins as a heartfelt gift inspired by VZHM’s own music. The song’s meticulous production and emotive delivery ensure it lives up to its lofty aspirations.
First Impressions
From the opening notes, “Here Comes Tomorrow” captivates with its organic warmth. Recorded at Maplewood Studio and mastered by Nashville’s Brian Foraker, the song possesses a polished yet intimate feel. Each element—acoustic guitars, lush harmonies, and Cherylann Hawk’s compelling lead vocals—blends seamlessly, creating an immersive listening experience.
Balistreri’s poignant lyrics, brought to life by Hawk, are steeped in themes of hope, renewal, and the inevitability of change. Lines like “Darkness disappears at sunrise / Clouds dissipate to clearer skies” evoke a bittersweet optimism, anchoring the song’s emotional core.
Performance Highlights
- Cherylann Hawk: Her lead vocals are the soul of the track, effortlessly shifting from tender introspection to commanding clarity. Her percussion work provides subtle rhythmic texture, grounding the arrangement.
- Bob Zigerelli: His intricate guitar lines serve as the song’s backbone, offering depth without overpowering the harmonic balance.
- Kevin McCarthy: McCarthy’s evocative guitar melodies weave seamlessly with Zigerelli’s contributions, adding a shimmering dimension to the soundscape.
- John Vento: As a cornerstone of the group’s harmonies, Vento’s rich voice rounds out the arrangement, amplifying the emotional resonance of the lyrics.
Each performer plays a vital role, but it’s their collaborative synergy that makes “Here Comes Tomorrow” so memorable. The layered harmonies recall the golden era of acoustic folk while maintaining a fresh, modern sensibility.
Production and Arrangement
David Granati’s production expertise shines here, with an emphasis on clarity and balance. The mix showcases the strengths of each vocalist and musician, ensuring that no single element dominates. The acoustic instrumentation feels lush yet intimate, allowing the storytelling to take center stage. This is folk-pop at its finest: heartfelt, unpretentious, and impeccably crafted.
Thematic and Emotional Impact
At its heart, “Here Comes Tomorrow” is an anthem of hope. It acknowledges life’s transience while embracing the possibilities of a brighter future. The refrain—“Here comes tomorrow / And the light of a brand new day”—is both soothing and empowering, offering listeners a sense of forward momentum. It’s a song that feels as cathartic as it does uplifting, making it an ideal opener for the album.
Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy: A Collective Force
VZHM’s collective pedigree shines throughout “Here Comes Tomorrow”. With influences ranging from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to Tracy Chapman, the group channels these inspirations into something uniquely their own. Their ability to balance individuality with collaborative harmony sets them apart in a crowded musical landscape.
Final Thoughts
“Here Comes Tomorrow” is an exquisite introduction to VZHM’s debut album, Four Ever. It not only highlights the group’s technical and artistic prowess but also their ability to convey deeply human emotions through music. Balistreri’s thoughtful composition, paired with VZHM’s masterful execution, results in a track that feels timeless.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of acoustic harmony or discovering the group for the first time, “Here Comes Tomorrow” promises to resonate long after the final note fades. It’s a song that dares to hope—and inspires its listeners to do the same.
Rating: 9/10
