2007-04-17
"I'm scared one day I'll say 'I don't love this anymore'..." –
I'll make it to bridges
Whenever you pop a new album in your stereo, by some band you're unfamiliar with, you immediately go over its pros and cons, looking for the weaker songs, the rip-offs, the off-tunes and fillers, and the Emo. Very few albums, especially in this genre, pass the "two hits per album" level, and fewer albums actually have enough in 'em to prevent you from wanting to microwave the actual CD; "White Lies" is not only one of those few, but actually a coherent and decent album.
"But, hey!
I don't wanna say it.
I don't wanna hear how much you're making.
Always telling me to change our sound,
Always trying hard to bring us down.
I said hey!
I don't wanna say it,
One look at our name and you hate it.
It don't mean shit! I'm over it." -
Of Sound And Fury
"White Lies" is LoveHateHero's second full-length, and comes off as an improvement from their already well received debut "Just Breath" – mostly due to the addition of skilled young guitarists Kevin Gruft and Myke Russell (which also contributes some backing vocals). You can call me whatever you like, throw eggs at my house and paint a sideways pony on my pictures, but you can't deny the fact this album rocks; great riffing and awesome solo's all over, notable basslines, highly polished and highly energetic drumwork, and a ranged variety of vocals – mostly the typical ones (though not as annoying as in Fallout At The Disco, or whatever their name is…) with cliché hardcore-like backing screams on the more "angry" lines, and some higher back vocals (from bass player Paris Bosserman) – all create a tight outfit, if rather generic, although as far as generic song structure go this is spot on.
"Goodbye my love" starts the experience well; it's practically hit material with those ultra-catchy choruses, sharp guitars, potent drumwork and unconventional lyrics regarding being an active, touring, band. Followers "I'll make it to bridges" (with the lyrics dealing with fears involved in being performers) and "Red Dress" (with the more typical relationship related lyrics, and a ballad-like piano opening) show the album not only starts strong but carries on going, and doesn't rest 'till its done.
"Old flames die hard when you're holding the cards
You were dealt hearts that you never should have folded" –
Move On
Among the better, in an already great bunch, you'd find "You got served" with its vegan anti-carnivore agenda, "Of sound and fury" having impressive vocal harmonies, a punk-rockish attitude and some closeness to Funeral For A Friend, the more alternative-rock oriented "Move On" and the punk-rockish and energetic hit "Hollywoodmenia" ("We're on our knees / With our fingers in our throats / To fit into the smallest jeans / We're on our knees" and "We starve ourselves 'till our next audition" are good examples of the well-understood criticism in it).
"Amy stand up and receive this award
I am pleased to pronounce you a whore
Amy you're such a disease you're the queen
of sleaze rule the streets from your knees" –
Homewrecker
"White Lies" closes as robustly as it opened; both the more diverse title track, including wicked guitar parts and great use of different singing styles, and the shining finish – "Homewrecker" – almost on the verge of screamo, also with awesome dual-guitar licks prove once again that, as hard as it is to admit it, emocore (or post-hardcore as some call what these guys do) can be sweeping.
LoveHateHero have manages to wipe some of the mud thrown in the faces of bands like
Taking Back Sunday,
Thursday,
The Receiving End Of Sirens,
Funeral For A Friend and even wipe off some of the eyeliner from
Panic!At The Disco,
Fall Out Boy and
My Chemical Romance in making "White Lies". This is a worthy and solid release by all standards, and we can only hope this wave will be over soon and that these guys will be among those remaining after its all over.
Ofer Vayner
