Hope Of The States - 'Left' (Sony/BMG) Released 19/6/06

When Hope Of The States released ‘The Lost Riots’ it was a joyous occasion for music as the breed of ‘new bands’ were taking over, with their one hit wonders and seven-haircuts-on-one-head antics, Hope Of The States were the much needed breath of fresh air. With scarce radio air time, and the much publicised suicide of guitarist Jimmi Lawrence forcing the press to make a dark connection to their music and their departed guitarist in a bad way, it was clear the world just didn’t get them, nor did they give them the chance they deserved to go on to greatness. To their cult following it seemed criminal that they were ignored and sadly ‘The Lost Riots’ seems destined to be a lost classic. Not so with ‘Left’ as there sound is tighter, more accessible yet still says **** you to those who just won’t get them.

Once again there is a political theme running throughout ‘Left’ as there was with ‘TLR’ with all the obvious references to war, unemployment and dictatorship governments, yet this time it is a little more blatant but still not pushy as the message never detracts from the music, and oh how sweet the music is. Opening with small instrumental track ‘Seconds’ HOTS make it clear that they are still into making music that could soundtrack a battlefield and calm a war as the beautiful 1.52 minutes of guitars strings, beats and music box assaults are stunningly harsh, getting the listener ready for what is to come. Second track ‘Blood Meridian’ is reinforced as a highlight due to this introduction by ‘Seconds’ as it is not a track that can be taken away from its kindred. Fast and urgent, ‘Blood Meridian’ is a tremendous return to form and takes a radio friendly stance but keeps within the boundaries of their underground status, similar to ‘Nehemiah’ did all those years ago. With forthcoming single ‘Sing It Out’ pushing the band into darker and heavier territories, their air raid approach hits before you can even take cover.

Taking the mood lower, yet never depressive are ‘The Good Fight’ and ‘Left’ which have some of the most beautiful chorus lines that HOTS have conceived, as they are as beautiful as they are cutting. Much the same with ‘This Is A Question’ that will go down as one of the band’s most beautiful songs to date, with swirling strings haunting guitar lines and Herlihey telling his stories of hope and struggle. ‘Little Silver Birds’ showcases Herlihey’s penchant for uplifting lyrics and is supported by the band’s awesome interaction on all fronts, whether it be with lyrics "I am in love with the chance that we all could do better than we do/ the lonely and broken/ the people forgotten/ let nobody tell you that your heart is wrong" or the haunting background vocals and the beautiful violin setting the mood, there is no way you can escape the fact that they have matured in a way that all bands strive to and many bands never reach.

With other high points in the form of ‘Four’ and ‘FORWARDDIREKTION:’ where Herlihey’s vocals accuse and the band take up firing squad positions, shaking the foundations that they created by moving in a more harsh direction. ‘Left’ is an album that will let old fans rest easy as their overall sound has not changed yet evolved into beautiful four and five minute sonic assaults. Every song paints a picture and shows a band comfortable with their sound, happy to just play rather than appeal to the masses. Sheer beauty.