The Matches - A Band InHope

Tue 15th Apr, 2008 in Music Reviews

A Band In Hope sees The Matches diverge from the previous pop punk sound heard on their last two albums Decomposer & E.von Dahl into a style that may be unfamiliar to old fans. This diversity was achieved by recording their latest album in a total of nine studios, with seven producers ranging from John Feldmaan (Goldfinger) to Tim Armstrong (Rancid).

This influence has lead to plenty of creative experimental songs that push the band into some new areas. However it’s initially hard to wrap your brain around this bi-polar natured album, as it contains plenty of upbeat tunes mixed with more bleak and mournful ones. Even the title of the record can be interpreted two ways, a band in hope or abandon hope.

Shawn Harris (vocals/guitar) has stated that their albums are, “Simply snapshots of who we are at the time of making it.” Their latest “sways between hope and despair, and the hope one gets when they feel disillusioned and abandoned”.

AM Tilt opens the album with a slow tempo that holds the track back from reaching its full potential. This pretty average introduction finally unleashes some heavy rock riffs within the last few seconds, but it’s a case of too little, too late. This is followed up with the fantastic sugar coated pop song, Wake The Sun. This one is likely to leave a smile on your face. It’s a shame there’s not more songs like this on the album, as it’s uplifting, upbeat and a lot of fun.

The gloomy side of the album then begins to show with Darkness Rising, which has Shawn playing piano and swapping singing duties with guitarist Jon Devoto. This originally stripped-back affair turns into a confusing mish-mash of operatic vocals and dramatic Broadway style melodies. It’s a weird track that somehow remains compelling and will likely build on you after a number of listens.

While the album does contain a few forgettable tracks (_To Build a Mountain_ and Future Tense) these are atoned for by Point Me Towards The Morning, If I Were You and Their City. These memorable pop rock tracks containing positive messages and soaring vocal melodies with plenty of catchy hooks. We Are One also delivers the goods. It’s a nice dose of rock accompanied by rattling acoustic guitar and a great drum roll beat that may have you singing along, “When we are loud we are one”.

The same cannot be said of the depressive 24c. It’s easily the worst track on the album, consisting of distorted drumming and morose vocals which overstay their welcome with a four-minute running time. Things are slightly redeemed with the more interesting Clouds Crash, which contains a simple acoustic guitar melody with moving violins and soft bell chimes that create a tune similar to the Beatles song Across The Universe. Between Halloween also captures the attention with some background keyboard work that highlight Queen style vocals and old school guitar hooks.

The fun-filled Yankee In A Chip Shop is the only track that’s really similar to their earlier work, and was supposedly written after their visit to the UK when they were chased down the street by a local hood. The Ramones like hooks and catchy lyrics make this an instantly likable song which closes the album on a good note (ignoring Proctor Rd, as it’s mostly an instrumental track).

Overall, A Band In A Hope is a compelling if somewhat confusing record, which will probably take a number of listens before you’ll be able to fully comprehend it. While half of the songs seem a bit downbeat and flat, the other half is full of optimism and hope. If you can appreciate this schizoid aspect, then this album may slowly grow on you. Just don’t go into it expecting to hear instantly addictive, fast-paced songs like on their last two releases.