“Vermont’s The Hero Cycle, a coagulation of assorted members of the eclectic Burlington scene, are a talented, energetic group. Huge, sweeping guitars mix with clever synth lines; big drums skillfully, often playfully, punctuate the elongated, epic riffs; the bass gives weight to every turn in musical direction; and the vocalists — there are three credited — are well above average for today’s indie music scene. Lakes and Ponds embraces everything from the cinematic quality of bands like Explosions in the Sky to the pop narratives of the 1980s, all without straining to coordinate the varying influences. For a debut EP, this is extremely impressive.”

On Tap Magazine

Excerpt - “The Hero Cycle is a small-town band with big aspirations - especially if one considers Burlington, Vermont a small town and believes that recognition, airplay and other perks are a lot to ask for in the independent music realm, particularly for a young band. Yet, The Hero Cycle has perhaps achieved more and propelled their imaginative blend of music further than many of their contemporaries purely through their ambitious, driven mindset.”

Northeast Performer

Excerpt - “There’s a touch of Arcade Fire, a dollop of Broken Social Scene, while some of the tracks are peppered with experimental guitar work, reminiscent of Sonic Youth…….The Hero Cycle, however, have a knack of bringing their own unqiue burst of energy to the table, proving they have a superb handle of euphoric indie-rock theatrics.”

Boring Machines Disturb Sleep

Excerpt - “The liner notes seem to say it all: “Bravely written and delicately recorded by The Hero Cycle.” Bravely written indeed; this gang of seven doesn’t just hint at obvious influences like Built to Spill and Broken Social Scene, but beats what makes those bands great to a pulp and mashes it together into a sound that’s just as nostalgic as it is punchy and innovative. And as for delicately recorded, the production here is certainly astounding, allowing every song to flesh out while remaining crisp and focused, keeping every track sounding polished without sounding unctuous……a collection of undeniably catchy songs about as urgent and energetic as they are melodic and melancholy.”

Avoid Peril