Hit the Lights – Invicta EP
Record Label: Razor & Tie
Release Date: November 1, 2011
It’s about time we heard some new Hit the Lights material. It seems like it’s been ages since the summery Skip School Start Fights first dominated beaches in July 2008. Sure enough, their latest EP, Invicta, will definitely make the wait for their upcoming full-length easier.
On first listen, Invicta definitely carries a more diverse vibe to it than Skip School. The summery pop hooks are now replaced with a more Anberlin-style, arena-sounding delivery. Have no fear though; this style suits Nick Thompson’s pipes in ideal fashion, as the band has clearly grown – both vocally and musically – within the past three years.
“Gravity” begins with echoing guitar tones and meek singing before escalating into a straightforward rock song, driven by Thompson’s towering vocal performance and the rhythmic drumming of Nate Van Dame. Clearly, the sound varies greatly from all previous Hit the Lights material this time around; however, the change seems to suit their new direction perfectly, while still maintaining the signature addictive nature of any Hit the Lights cut. The growth of the band also shines throughout these three songs, with “Earthquake” exhibiting the excelled musicianship through pacing drums, steadying guitar play, and soaring vocals. “All The Weight” may be the most unexpected song of the three. Built around thick guitar licks and a softer vocal style, “All The Weight” will definitely result in mixed feelings from fans – some will love the new sound, others may be put off by it at first – but it definitely grows on you.
In the end, albeit only being three songs and a total of ten minutes of music, Invitca will definitely leave listeners wondering what direction Hit the Lights aim to go with their highly anticipated upcoming record. If the experimentation and sound of these songs prove anything, it’s that what’s coming may be the strongest, most diverse offering from the band to date.
I feel like a dick because I dont get the massive appeal this band has, i feel like i'm missing something, the record seems average to me, so did Skip School.., i dunno maybe the new full length will wow me.
I feel like a dick because I dont get the massive appeal this band has, i feel like i'm missing something, the record seems average to me, so did Skip School.., i dunno maybe the new full length will wow me.
I am kind of the same way... I've always really liked their recorded stuff and thought they had a lot of energy. I saw them live in Chicago at Reggie's last week and I was pretty disappointed and felt like an asshole because of it. It just felt like something was missing from their performance...
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