Release Date: 30 April 2013
Genre: Alternative Rock
Length: 68:22
Label: Gotee Records
Similar artists: Relient-K, Run Kid
Run, Abandon Kansas, The Wedding
Rating: 3/5
The previous
three, full length albums that have been released by House of Heroes have been
met with much critical success, and between each of these albums the band has
released quite a few unique EPs and singles, just enough to keep fans of the
band satisfied until the release of their next album. The latest album
released, named The Knock-Down Drag-Outs
is essentially a collection of most of these ‘side’ releases, as well as three
new songs to act as a sort of ‘cherry on top’.
This album
boasts a substantial nineteen track collection, of which only five tracks can
be considered ‘brand-new’ items, two of which are remixes.
The first new
song on the album is called, "Choose Your Blade," and is perhaps one
of the biggest deviations I have heard produced by the band. House of Heroes
takes the usual hard rock sound, that they are best known for, and then blend
it with a heavy Spanish influence. The music is upbeat and exciting, and the
lyrics occasionally surprise as they drift into Spanish, and I am sure this is
a song that many fans, new and old, will fall in love with. The next new track
called, "Hide," showcases the band's softer side. “Hide” contains an
amazing, powerful and beautiful chorus, sung by the band with such passion and
emotion; it is really impressive to hear them evoke just as much emotion in an
understated manner. The final song, "Your Casualty", is new and
different, but not my particular cup of tea. I’m not sure what exactly to make
of it, but it’s worth listening to for sure.
The rest of the album
is comprised of EP's, singles and bonus tracks from the past five years that
the band has been releasing music. This album is a nice and convenient ‘all-in-one’
package of all these releases, created for the enjoyment of any fan of the band
that may have missed out on some of the bands hidden gems.
This album is
very convenient and is certainly a great idea, many bands release singles and
EPs throughout their careers and to have one full length album with all of
these stuck together is truly awesome. I recommend buying this album because
the new songs, remixes and songs you never ever realized were produced by House
of Heroes will delight and surprise you as you listen to the album. The fact
that it is also nineteen songs long means that you will not get bored of it too
quickly, a problem I find when I listen to short albums or EPs released by many
bands is that it is too easy to wear out an album in a relatively short amount
of time.
So if you are a
fan of House of Heroes, new or old, this album would make a perfect addition to
your collection.
Song of the Week
is: “Hide”.
Stay gnarly
Charlie
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