Troubled Paradise

The song "Troubled Paradise" by Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts from their 2025 EP of the same name is a high-octane rock anthem that perfectly captures the Zoo Crew’s raw, rebellious vibe, electrifying their Zoo Freaks audience with its big guitars and infectious hooks. Described by Metal Planet Music as setting the tone for an EP that “plays out like a movie,” the track reflects themes of chasing dreams against all odds. In a X post, Tuk Smith shared that the song was inspired by his relentless drive to keep rock ‘n’ roll alive, with fans on the platform calling it “a fist-in-the-air banger.” A music video for the song, unveiled in June 2025 as noted by BraveWords, showcases the band’s gritty energy, amplifying its impact. The track’s release coincided with tour announcements opening for Danko Jones in the UK, sparking buzz among fans on Facebook for its live performance intensity.

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts is led by Tuk Smith, a Georgia-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter who began his musical journey fronting the glam-punk band Biters. As detailed on Vocal, Smith’s career took off with Biters, whose retro-charged rock built a cult following in the 2000s with albums like Electric Blood. After signing a solo deal with Better Noise Music, Smith faced setbacks when his planned album Lookin’ for Love, Ready for War was shelved, prompting him to form The Restless Hearts and launch his independent label, Gypsy Rose Records. His early days gigging in Atlanta’s punk scene shaped his charismatic, high-energy style, blending 70s glam with modern rock swagger. The band’s debut, Rogue to Redemption in 2024, marked Smith’s comeback, leading to the Troubled Paradise EP, which refines his anthemic sound.

Fans can keep up with Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts through their official website, tuksmithandtherestlesshearts.com, which offers tour dates, music, and merch. Their Facebook page is active with posts about the “Troubled Paradise” video and tour updates, engaging fans with live performance clips. On Instagram, they share vibrant photos from the road and studio, giving Zoo Freaks a glimpse into their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Their X account connects with fans through retweets of praise and tour announcements, including their Danko Jones support gigs. While no dedicated fan websites or specific Facebook groups for the band are widely noted, fans gather in broader rock communities like the Facebook group Glam Rock Fans, where they celebrate tracks like “Troubled Paradise” for its retro-modern energy.