Review Summary: The follow up to their major label debut, Until Theres Nothing Left Of Us rocks hard with catchy synth lines, agressive guitars and anthemic vocals. Kill Hannah is truly a force to be rekoned with in the modern rock arena.
Until Theres Nothing Left Of Us is the second major label release by the Chicago based group, Kill Hannah, but contrary to common knowledge, they are not a new band. Kill Hannah has existed as a bedroom project and underground band since the mid 90's. Despite their early beginnings as shoegaze, however, Kill Hannah has moved into a synth-rock or modern alternative band with high potential for mainstream sucsess.
The first track, Life In The Artic, is the intro track for the record and opens the album on a very good note. Lots of electronics and feedback are layered over drums and bass to create a very cinematic opening. this track leads into the faux title track of the record, Believer. The song showcases not only Matt's vocals, but also the guitar work of the record superbly with a strong solo. The first single, and the most widely known track on the album, Lips Like Morphine, is the next track and features great vocal hooks and driving guitars. The following track, Black Poison Blood, begins softly and slowly builds to a strong chorus, and makes good use of not only the guitars, but a piano as well. The next track, Love You To Death, showcases the band's ability to write a pop song that pays tribute to 90's Garbage. The Collapse is the next track and opens ominously, but quickly moves into a more poppy sounding chorus. Statues Without Eyes is the first softer song on the album and has a very beautiful ballad feel to it. However, the mood does not remain for long as Crazy Angel, a song tat has been rumoured to be the next single, opens into a great synth line over driving guitars. Ther verses are strong and the chorus is anthemic as Matt's vocals altrernate with synth lines to create for a great potential single. Under The Milky Way is a cover song done by the band, and is one of the less notable songs on the album. That is not to say that its not a good song, however. The Songs That Saved My Life is a tribute to an old mix tap Matt has as a kid and is once again, a very anthemic tribute to them. Scream is probably the most unique song on the album by the bands standards, as it opens with soft, melodic pianos and is a beautiful track. Sleep Tight is the closing track and has a very similar feel to the opening track, giving the album a true sense of closure.
Sound: 9
UTNLOU has a very high production value throughout. This is primarily due to the use of two very notable producers, Johnny K and Chris Lord Alge who both did an astounding jobs on the record and truly captured the bands sound. Musically, the album has a very anthemic sound with big, drving electric guitars, strong bass tones and superb drums. Matt's vocals have changed significantly throughout the bands career and this is no exception. He really improved his singing style for this record, hitting notes stronger and sustaining notes for longer. The synth, pianos, guitars, bass, drums and vocals all combine very well on this record and the high level of talent in this band makes for a very interesting listen every time.
Lyrics: 8
Kill Hannah has always had bragging rights in terms of lyrics. Matt's lyrics have always been nothing short of poetic and this album does not fall short of expectations. From the line "I need you to believe in me until theres nothing left of us" to the imagery on Black Poison Blood, the album is awesome, lyrically and Matt has a great ability to connect with his listeners.
Overall: 9
The album as a whole is a brilliant effort by the Chicago four piece and the mood of the record flows well from track to track. It is definatley one of my favorite albums right now and I urge everyone who gives them a listen to remember their name, cause someday, Kill Hannah is gonna be big.
