Trianna Feruza and The Heavy Hitters are a genre-bending band, blending neo-soul with funk, pop, jazz and hip-hop influences, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Anderson .Paak while promising electrifying live performances. Made up of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Trianna Feruza, drummer Ryan Ouse, bassist Zach Latham and lead guitarist Josh Baldwin make this electrifying live band come to life. UBO MAG has examined and listened closely to “Heavy Hitters” and have come to the conclusion that this Santa Cruz, CA band is a classic Cali gem. The elements all come together with each song which inspired UBO MAG to write the synopsis of their entire album, released May 1, 2025.
Kicking off the album is “Strawberry Wine,” a sweet, upbeat track with a prominent indie-pop sensibility, drawing perhaps subtle nods to the energy of late ‘90s bands. The song gently unfolds with an initial electric guitar riff by Baldwin, soon joined by Ouse on drums and Latham on bass, before frontwoman Trianna Feruza’s clear vocals enter, carrying a bright and soulful quality reminiscent of Lily Allen with undertones of Amy Winehouse’s melodicism. A notable Spanish guitar solo beautifully bridges different sections of the song, complementing Feruza’s lyrics about cherishing and celebrating a meaningful relationship. The overall mood is light, airy, and joyful, perfectly encapsulating the essence of indie pop with a charmingly sweet vibe. This track is poised to be a catchy and memorable opener for the band.
“Not Tryna Play Games” opens with a smooth, inviting, almost jazzy guitar tone, immediately followed by a subtle bluesy guitar rhythm and a grounding bass line. Feruza’s vocals enter with an introspective and conversational delivery, as if she is reflecting on her thoughts and navigating the challenges that require patience in everyday experiences. The song possesses an undeniable pop appeal that positions “Not Tryna Play Games” as poised to be a radio favorite with its catchy melody and relatable theme. The guitar bridge erupts with emotion, expressing a deeper, perhaps unspoken sentiment through its nuanced playing.
“More and Enough” offers an unexpected twist, opening with a fleeting nod to the iconic riff of “The Sweater Song” (Weezer) before quickly establishing its own vibrant identity. Feruza kicks off the track with a playful ’90s-inspired girl-rap, reminiscent of Left Eye from TLC, seamlessly transitioning into a groovy chorus centered on the theme of achieving life balance. The band lays down a perfect foundation of funk, with the music and vocals locked in tight. The song builds significant energy through a crescendoing guitar bridge, promising a dynamic live experience and strong audience engagement.
“Sex Sells” ignites with an immediate, almost visual air guitar intro, its energy underscored by the prominent use of cymbals that beckon listeners into the intimate space of Feruza’s thoughts. A sultry and alluring intro then unfolds, paving the way for Feruza’s vocals, delivered with a palpable lust that intensifies throughout her melodic range. In the second half of the track, one of the guitarists unleashes a signature, unforgettable guitar bridge that takes center stage. Feruza returns with a powerful vocal performance, passionately singing in harmony with the soaring guitar lines. The lyrical narrative delves into the experience of navigating life in a daze, highlighting the cynical reality that, no matter the context, “sex sells.”
Functioning as a serene pause within the energetic flow of the EP, “The Bear” interlude begins with dreamy and weightless guitar notes, written and played by lead guitarist Baldwin. It evokes the feeling of the final, gentle notes played at the end of a lively funk set, its light and airy texture like a soft lullaby guiding you towards slumber and seamlessly transitioning into the subsequent track. Deliberately devoid of vocals, “The Bear” serves as a crucial element intentionally placed to craft a sense of space and add layers of meaning to the debut release, offering a brief but significant pause for reflection.
“Read Your Mind” showcases the EP’s signature blend of Spanish guitar by Baldwin, funk riffs and compelling beats, creating a dynamic backdrop for Feruza’s developed narrative. The interplay between driving drums and expressive guitar work underscores her lyrical prose, which uniquely combines The Killers’ raw grit with Amy Winehouse’s soulful melodic sensibility. The song unfolds with Feruza’s voice, building in intensity and emotion. A prominent guitar bridge rises and then gently descends, leading back to Feruza as she sings with a lighter touch, ultimately bringing the track to a close.
“She Got Friends” immediately establishes its presence with a deep, low bass guitar line, setting the stage for an honest and fluid exploration of the frustrations of being the subject of others’ conversations, even by the person she desires. The track delves into the complexities of hearsay and the yearning to cut through the noise to understand her own feelings. A shift occurs as Ouse’s symbolic percussive elements and a flowing guitar line introduce Feruza on the hook, where she sings, “They talk about how they know me, where I am going…” This lyric powerfully underscores the central longing expressed later: “I wanted you to want me the way I want you.” The song concludes with Feruza showcasing her vocal range, moving from deep notes to her higher alto, delivering a dynamic and expressive ending. Throughout, “She Got Friends” exudes a distinct ’80s California funk vibe, evident in both the band’s instrumentation and Trianna’s soulful and dynamic vocal movements.
“Never Forget” firmly establishes itself as quintessential Trianna Feruza and the Heavy Hitters, delivering a signature sound that will resonate deeply with their fanbase. The song peels back layers to reveal the raw core of romantic entanglement, where love is acknowledged with its inherent heartache. This is vividly captured in the pre-chorus with its expressive, flowing rhymes: “ain’t gonna make me love you love less but can you take the time, dammit though I love the mess so please make up your mind,” powerfully conveying the push-and-pull of a complex relationship. As the track drives forward, it unravels the intricate emotions of love, exposing its beautiful yet complicated nature. Baldwin’s rhythm guitar lays down a captivating groove, intertwining seamlessly with Feruza’s bluesy and vintage-toned vocals, which carry a poignant echo of Amy Winehouse’s soulful delivery. Adding to the rich tapestry, the bassist, Latham and drummer Ouse engage in a melodic conversation, their rhythmic patterns intricately supporting the story woven through the lyrics. Feruza’s vocal prowess truly shines as she belts out gorgeous “oohhh’s,” injecting an undeniable sexiness, boldness and confident energy into this memorable track.“Never Forget” firmly establishes itself as quintessential Trianna Feruza and the Heavy Hitters, delivering a signature sound that will resonate deeply with their fanbase.
The infectious energy of “Try” embodies the Santa Cruz music scene, seamlessly fusing ska and jam-band styles into a live performance powerhouse. Feruza ignites the crowd with her dynamic vocals, leading into a captivating bridge where lead guitarist Baldwin swings in an electric Spanish guitar that seems to take flight as the music progresses. This track is designed to keep audiences on their feet, culminating in Feruza’s return with the uplifting message to “Try a little bit harder…” before a final flourish in Spanish, demonstrating her wide-reaching appeal.
Fueled by an undeniably ska backbone, “Energy” propels listeners into a vibrant sonic landscape that seamlessly blends funk’s rhythmic drive with the soulful grit of bluesy undertones and the improvisational freedom of jam band excursions. The track’s infectious ska-style drumming by Baldwin lays the foundation for swirling guitar riffs reminiscent of funk legends, while subtle bluesy vocal inflections from Feruza, add a layer of raw emotion. Interwoven throughout are instrumental passages that hint at the spontaneity and collaborative spirit of a live jam session. Lyrically, the song delves into the captivating question of where our inner energy goes once it’s released, prompting introspection amidst the infectious rhythms. This genre-bending creation serves as the ultimate invitation to shed inhibitions and discover that very energy on the dance floor, making it the perfect soundtrack for a night of uninhibited musical expression and self-discovery.
Trianna Feruza and The Heavy Hitters were formed by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Trianna Feruza, drummer Ryan Ouse and bassist Zach Latham who all met at the jazz program at Cabrillo College in Soquel, CA while lead guitarist Josh Baldwin joined shortly after, two years ago.
