Review Summary: It's all in your head, such constant dread...
Hawthorne Heights are one of those bands that you either really like, or really hate. There is no middle ground. Be it the lyrics, JT’s voice or the overall ‘scene/emo’ (whatever kids call it these days) vibe of the band – people seemed to throw them into the same pile as someone like Attack Attack. Whilst the earlier music may have fell comfortably into that mold – ever since their 2011 EP release HATE they have not only improved on what they had, but they’ve also added in so much more.
The album starts with in my opinion the best song Hawthorne have ever released – ‘Constant Dread’. Not only does it have my personal favorite and impressive Brendan Murphy (Counterparts) tearing up the bridge but the riffing throughout is actually quite decent (opening riff especially) and JT actually doesn’t sound whiny and his layered vocals don’t annoy me (like they used to). The Breakdown/Bridge is truly a glorious moment and one I honestly didn’t expect from the old kids of Hawthorne.
The riffs and breakdowns are some of the most impressive moments on the album as a whole. ‘Holy Coast’ really is a fantastic track and as heavy as Hawthorne have been before. JT has some pretty impressive vocal lines catchy melodies throughout, the choruses in ‘Tired and Alone’ and ‘Spray Paint It Black’ both get stuck in my head – whilst JT’s vocals don’t really hit you with power and force, they sure do have a hell of a lot of emotion in them and he knows exactly how and what range he should be singing in and stays there. The Unclean vocals throughout never overstay their welcome (I could do with a bit more honestly). The latest unclean vocalist, guitarist Mark has basically combined both Casey’s and Micah’s screaming styles into one and he sounds pretty solid, ‘Holy Coast’ being his best moment on the album.
A couple of other great guest vocalist in the form of Anthony Raneri (Bayside) William Ryan Key (Yellowcard - OMG) – ‘Seafoam’ especially hit me right in the nostalgia feels, William/Ryan and JT’s voices work so well together – I don’t know, made me all warm and fuzzy inside.
The production on the album as a whole is fantastic. Listening though my studio speakers at home you can pick up on everything and its layered to perfection. Even the bass sticks its head out with some impressive parts.
Overall, this isn’t the Hawthorne Heights we knew from the early 2000’s and no one should really expect them to be. They are much older, wiser and better at what they do and it shows in their music and mostly the lyrics JT conjures together. Whilst Hawthorne can still have the occasional cringe moment, I feel like they have a lot more moments of glory now then ever before. I can only wait with some kind of 35 year old emo kids anticipation about what their next album will behold.
Standout Tracks
Constant Dread
Holy Coast
Seafoam
Thunder In Our Hearts
