Hearts in Hiding

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Hearts in Hiding" by Breathless from their 1980 album Nobody Leaves This Song Alive, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing. This track, the opener of the album, is a fan favorite, often praised for its slick AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) sound that blends catchy melodies with polished production. One cool piece of trivia comes from the music review site Rate Your Music, where a reviewer noted that "Hearts in Hiding" is a standout for fans of Donnie Iris' solo work, hinting at a stylistic connection since Breathless shared members with Iris' band. The song's infectious energy makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's eclectic, feel-good playlists, and its lush guitar riffs and soaring vocals have kept it alive in the hearts of AOR enthusiasts.

While specific interviews or social media posts about "Hearts in Hiding" are scarce due to the band's relatively low profile and the era they emerged in, the album Nobody Leaves This Song Alive has a cult following. On platforms like Discogs, collectors geek out over the vinyl and 8-track versions, with some sharing stories of snagging rare pressings at record shops in the '80s. One user mentioned discovering the album in a bargain bin and being blown away by the tight musicianship, especially on "Hearts in Hiding," which they described as "a hidden gem that deserves more love." The lack of modern social media buzz from the band themselves adds to the mystique, leaving fans to swap trivia and memories on sites like The Record Room, where the album's digital release in 2014 sparked renewed interest.

Breathless got their start in the late 1970s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a hotbed for rock talent at the time. The band was formed by a group of seasoned musicians, including Jonah Koslen (lead vocals and guitar), Mark Avsec (keyboards), Bob Benjamin (bass), Alan Greene (guitar), Kevin Valentine (drums), and Rodney Psyka (percussion). Koslen and Avsec, in particular, had already made waves in the local scene, having played with another Pittsburgh outfit, The Jaggerz, known for their hit "The Rapper." After leaving The Jaggerz, they channeled their knack for crafting hook-heavy rock into Breathless, signing with EMI America. Their debut album, Nobody Leaves This Song Alive, released in 1980, showcased their polished AOR style, drawing comparisons to bands like Journey and Foreigner. Though they never achieved mainstream stardom, Breathless carved out a loyal following, especially in the Midwest, thanks to their tight live performances and radio-friendly sound.

Tracking down Breathless online is a bit of a challenge, as the band doesn't maintain an active digital presence. There’s no official website or verified social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or X, likely because their career peaked before the internet era. Fans looking for more info can check out Discogs for detailed discographies or Apple Music for streaming their music. As for fan communities, there aren’t any prominent Facebook groups or dedicated fan websites specifically for Breathless, but AOR and classic rock forums like Rate Your Music and The Record Room have pockets of fans who keep the band's legacy alive, sharing reviews and trading vinyl. For the Zoo Freaks digging this tune, joining these online spaces might uncover more stories about "Hearts in Hiding" and its enduring charm.