I’ve seen Hostage Calm play a few times. They are Connecticut Brotherhood so I’ve had a bunch of opportunities over the last few years to see them. Plenty of gigs to get into their brand of music. I’ve enjoyed their sets but somehow it never happened. It never clicked. It’s probably my fault. I just never stopped to fully appreciate them. But after listening to this album non stop for the last few days, they have won me over.
Literally, my socks have been blown off. I’m not sure how it happened. I honestly don’t recall this band sounding anything like this. I always recall a punk hardcore band. This … this is different. This sophomore album is something else all together. This is more on an indie rock tip than hardcore. Think easier Title Fight, or maybe Can’t Slow Down. It’s definitely on that tip. Lots of earnest rock, right up my alley lately. It feels like they should be opening gigs for The Kooks or The Shins or some other The band. Seriously, so good.
Of course, if you are expecting a hardcore act, I’m suggesting you dig back into your collection for your favorite Youth Of Today cd. This is not hardcore. No diss on these kids. They love hardcore (Fred’s got enough hardcore cred to pass any minimum requirement tests, this is certain).
I’ve been sleeping on these dudes. Now I feel it is my duty to scour Ebay for old tees so I can pretend like I’ve been down since day 1. But if you want to buy this LP (and there is no reason to NOT buy this lp, it is THAT good), go hit up Run For Cover Records. And do it now. Don’t wait.
Fuck yes! Lp is on constant replay.