HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS
"If
Only You Were Lonely" (Victory; 2006)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Ah, the sounds of hearts breaking, courtesy of emo’s current poster boys, Hawthorne Heights. The breakthrough band’s latest effort is long on longing and not short on sappiness, as every passionate lyric and heated guitar lick is wrapped around a heart shaped box full of big hooks.
Songs like “Saying Sorry” are perfect for the after-prom party. “Breathing In Sequence” sets a melodramatic mood to ponder your love life to while “I Am On Your Side” rivals the catchiness of Fall Out Boy with the guitar riff knowledge of The Darkness.
Innocuous and sterile as hell, "If Only You Were Lonely" lacks fortitude to go beyond the lovelorn’s list of best albums to feel sorry for yourself by, but works well for anyone under age and feeling those butterflies for the first time.
For more information, check out http://www.hawthorneheights.com.
"The
Silence in Black and White" (Victory; 2004)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Dayton, Ohio is the hometown of Hawthorne Heights, the latest band to ride the fine line between emo and hardcore. This 11-track release boasts a three-guitar attack, which helps the quintet's screamo meets post hardcore stance nicely, allowing the band to deviate between the shimmering moments of tenderness on "Niki FM" and chaotic spurts of melody found on tracks like "Silver Bullet."
Not unlike fellow labelmates Taking Back Sunday or heroes of the day Thursday, Hawthorne Heights have found their niche by meshing maligned mellowness, explosive bursts of aggression, and dashes of sing-along punk rock like that of New Found Glory into one big potion that much of today's youth clamors for.
For more information, check out http://www.hawthorneheights.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 28 Oct 2024 12:36:40 -0500.
