Hawthorne Heights

I’m not sure which made me more excited the chance to review this album or to get a free kick-ass sampler. The album is available in two editions, the girl edition or the boy edition; the covers vary. Wait a second; I’m too busy looking at the Victory merch booklet to review this album, give me a minute.

A minute later….

It might just be that Hawthorne Heights have felt the pressure to do well with their sophomore album and have succumbed to it. Their debut album The Silence in Black and White had seen tremendous success going gold.

Using their successful formula of dual harmonies between vocalist JT Woodruff and guitarist Casey Clavert, serves them pretty well, if I ain’t broke… don’t fix it. But for some reason I get the feeling they are holding back, whether they are sticking to something that works, or are afraid to go outside of the box.

The guys took a step forward and tightened up their song structure, but perhaps the album was rushed and no real creativity was put into it. The guitar riffs have also tightened up. “December” reminds me of a Beatles’ song.

I’m going to say this album is pretty safe. The hype was huge, but to some it might be a disappointment. But then again you really can’t write the same album twice. When hearing a new album for the first time it’s easy to get carried away with thoughts of comparisons to previous albums.

I like their lyrics, and I like their pureness and almost innocent like image. If you’re a fan of softer rock, and can tolerate little to moderate screaming then this is for you. It’s a good introductory CD to give your copycat sibling who keeps harassing you and wants to emulate your gifted musical tastes.

6.8 band t-shirts out of 10.

I think the bonus CD won. Hosted by Hawthorne Height’s Woodruff, he basically introduces videos and includes personal commentary on other Victory bands. Some of the featured artists were Atreyu, Aiden, Bayside, Silverstein, Waterdown, and you got it, more Victory artists.

This definitely gets a 9/10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. This Is Who We Are
02. We Are So Last Year
03. Language Lessons (Five Words or Less)
04. Pens and Needles
05. Saying Sorry
06. Dead In The Water
07. I Am On Your Side
08. Breathing In Sequence
09. Light Sleeper
10. Cross Me Off Your List
11. Where Can I Stab Myself In The Ears
12. Decembers

Run Time: 38:52