Review Summary: Hawthorne Heights is back, though in reality they never left. This post hardcore, alternative, pop punk band from Dayton, Ohio has always been a band that I could admire. After their first two albums hit main stream, the band has been through many rises a
Hawthorne Heights is back, though in reality they never left. This post hardcore, alternative, pop punk band from Dayton, Ohio has always been a band that I could admire. After their first two albums hit main stream, the band has been through many rises and falls; but one thing has always been persistent and that is their honesty to their music. This band is a band that has always been genuine to both their music and their fans, making the music that they want to make and appreciating those who have stuck by them through everything. Known for their catchy tunes, their ability to shift between the softer melodic anthems and their aggressive side, this band has always done what they loved and have worked towards making music to express their emotions, their lives, and their experiences. If you were one of those fans that only know their first two or three albums, you have missed out on a lot of great music; but there is no better time than the present to pick up on them. Now, back with their first full length release in 5 years, Hawthorne Heights is rejuvenated and has put their best foot forward to release an album that really shows what this band can do with their newest release, Bad Frequencies.
I am a huge fan of their 2015 EP HURT, and let me say how well made that EP was. This album is the next step, and this showcases a band firing on all cylinders and working with everything they have. Taking their sound from the early 2000s and growing it to 2018, this modern version of Hawthorne Heights is nothing to sneeze at. As soon as the album begins with the reflective and evocative intro track 'In Gloom', you are on board for the ride and not one song on this album feels out of place or like a filler song. Each song serves a purpose, and the band sounds better than ever. Musically, the band sounds at the top of their game on this, breaking outside their comfort zone on more than one occasion and pulling it off fantastically. From the bubbly earworms of 'Pink Hearts' and 'Starlighter (Echo, Utah)' to the more heavy yet catchy sound and lyrics of 'Just Another Ghost' and 'Push Me Away', you can tell that this band has worked hard to make this best album they possibly could. Musically, the guitars are crisp( JT Woodruff and Mark McMillon), the bass is on point (Matt Ridenour), and the drums are expertly thumping (Chris Popadak). Vocally, both lead vocals by JT Woodruff and the aggressive screams of Mark McMillon carry the songs extremely well and sound at their peaks. The lead vocals are well refined, and the aggressive vocals are natural and compliment the songs they are used in.
Songs like 'Crimson Sand' and 'The Perfect Way To Fall Apart' showcase how Hawthorne Heights have grown as a band. The guitar hooks in the former are some of the best I have ever heard in one of their songs and the gang vocals just make you want to chant with them, and the riffs and vocals on the latter are sure to please and having you belting along. They even branch out into the darker, more experimental sound with the haunting title track 'Bad Frequencies', which starts with mellow and moody vocals in a lower tone and a soft plucked guitar for the first half of the song with some of my favorite lyrics on the album, before exploding into McMillon's crown jewel showing of aggression as he takes center stage for the second half of the song. Lyrically, the band has grown on this album as well. There seems to be running themes of reflection, love, loss, and the realization of how you became what you are today. As always, Woodruff is excellent at painting lyrical images in your mind and telling a story with each song; look no further than 'The Suicide Mile' and 'Skylark' for examples of this and does well to show how the band has managed to advance their sound while still keeping a grasp on who they are and where they want to go. Songs like the title track, 'Just Another Ghost', and 'Crimson Sand' are emotionally heavy lyrically, and once you relate to them you are going to want to sing along.
This isn't the same band that wrote 'Ohio Is For Lovers'. While that song is a milestone in their beginnings, the band has grown and matured. Looking forward to the future while embracing the past is something they have done extremely well on this album, and as mentioned before is a notable part of the lyrical themes of the album. This is an earnest and talented band that deserves much more recognition of their talents, and this album is a powerful and well crafted work that could bring that to them. Bad Frequencies is Hawthorne Heights at the top of their game, and whether you are old fan, a new fan, or someone who wants to give them a shot; this album has something you are going to love. Pulling out all the stops and bringing their 'A' Game, the band has delivered something special. Its too soon to judge if this is my favorite album by them, but I am willing to say this is one of their best, if not the best, sounding album they have done. I highly recommend checking out this album; these 13 songs are something to look forward to hearing, seeing live, and this album is a definite contender for my Album Of The Year choice. This is going to be an anthem for the spring and summer night drives, that is certain. There is not a bad song on this album, really. The band never left, but Hawthorne Heights is back.
Stand Out Tracks: Crimson Sand, The Perfect Way To Fall Apart, Just Another Ghost, Bad Frequencies, Skylark, Starlighter (Echo, Utah), The Suicide Mile, Pills.
