SmittyMA
03/29/10, 12:27 PM
The Hoodies - What's To Come
Record Label: None
Release Date: August 18, 2009
After seeing The Hoodies in concert in early 2009, I couldn't help but have the feeling these guys were something different. The release of A Place on Solid Ground in 2007 gave the group a great batch of songs to promote, but the 8-song album left a lot to be desired in terms of quantity. "Former Glory" was perhaps the greatest new song I'd heard in a long time, a true anthem that any high school senior could look to and relate.
When the band started promotion of their new EP that summer and announced the collaboration of producer Mark Trombino (blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, etc.), I couldn't help but be excited. This was the next big step for a band that, at the time, was ranked #12 on the Daily Chorus's Unsigned list. One could only expect big things, right?
Well, yes and no. What's To Come is a mixed bag for The Hoodies, and is much poppier than their previous release. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it came off as forced in some instances. The EP starts with "Archangel," a very catchy opener, but is otherwise nothing special. This is followed by "Backwards," which hovers on the border of what I like to call bubble-gum pop. While it is infectiously catchy, the track is very repetitive and really no more than an attempt to fit the current pop mold.
While the first two tracks disappoint, there is a lot to like in the third track, "Electric Choir." In all honesty, this is the track that saves the EP. If "Former Glory" was The Hoodies' anthem, "Electric Choir" is their masterpiece, blending mysterious verses with a brilliant chorus and bridge. The song is executed to perfection and defines their sound, leaving you wondering why the rest of the EP didn't follow the same vein.
The last two tracks, "Time and Place" and "Shady Tree," are much like the first two: catchy but nothing special. "Shady Tree" is a good album closer and a very solid song, but "Time and Place" leaves a lot to be desired, which is really the defining theme of the album. What's To Come is not a bad release, but it is definitely not as good as it could of been. Knowing what this band is capable of, this EP does come off as a disappointment, but "Electric Choir" alone is good enough to justify a listen or two. Those looking for a poppier-punk band to listen to will love this release, but those who liked The Hoodies' previous material should take "Electric Choir" and "Shady Tree" for what they're worth and call it a night.
The Starting Line; Jimmy Eat World; the poppier side of pop-punk
Since this release, The Hoodies changed their band name. Their new act, Joywave can be found here: myspace.com/joywavemusic (http://www.myspace.com/joywavemusic).
Record Label: None
Release Date: August 18, 2009
After seeing The Hoodies in concert in early 2009, I couldn't help but have the feeling these guys were something different. The release of A Place on Solid Ground in 2007 gave the group a great batch of songs to promote, but the 8-song album left a lot to be desired in terms of quantity. "Former Glory" was perhaps the greatest new song I'd heard in a long time, a true anthem that any high school senior could look to and relate.
When the band started promotion of their new EP that summer and announced the collaboration of producer Mark Trombino (blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, etc.), I couldn't help but be excited. This was the next big step for a band that, at the time, was ranked #12 on the Daily Chorus's Unsigned list. One could only expect big things, right?
Well, yes and no. What's To Come is a mixed bag for The Hoodies, and is much poppier than their previous release. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it came off as forced in some instances. The EP starts with "Archangel," a very catchy opener, but is otherwise nothing special. This is followed by "Backwards," which hovers on the border of what I like to call bubble-gum pop. While it is infectiously catchy, the track is very repetitive and really no more than an attempt to fit the current pop mold.
While the first two tracks disappoint, there is a lot to like in the third track, "Electric Choir." In all honesty, this is the track that saves the EP. If "Former Glory" was The Hoodies' anthem, "Electric Choir" is their masterpiece, blending mysterious verses with a brilliant chorus and bridge. The song is executed to perfection and defines their sound, leaving you wondering why the rest of the EP didn't follow the same vein.
The last two tracks, "Time and Place" and "Shady Tree," are much like the first two: catchy but nothing special. "Shady Tree" is a good album closer and a very solid song, but "Time and Place" leaves a lot to be desired, which is really the defining theme of the album. What's To Come is not a bad release, but it is definitely not as good as it could of been. Knowing what this band is capable of, this EP does come off as a disappointment, but "Electric Choir" alone is good enough to justify a listen or two. Those looking for a poppier-punk band to listen to will love this release, but those who liked The Hoodies' previous material should take "Electric Choir" and "Shady Tree" for what they're worth and call it a night.
The Starting Line; Jimmy Eat World; the poppier side of pop-punk
Since this release, The Hoodies changed their band name. Their new act, Joywave can be found here: myspace.com/joywavemusic (http://www.myspace.com/joywavemusic).