The Blackout - Hope

Tue 14th Jun, 2011 in Music Reviews

Welsh rockers the The Blackout return with their follow up to 2009’s The Best in Town. Less post- hardcore, more pop rock, the boys have concocted a rather epic album that sees at least half of the record proving its shine. In line with industry change and the music market these days, the band’s opener articulates the idea that Ambition Is Critical. This track is a stamp on the style of the album, followed by Never By Your Side, a raucous riffing interspersed with admirable melody.

Higher and Higher strays from the preceding format, though not lacking in ambition with their feature artist Hydro Da Hero. Perhaps the best song amongst this album is the title track Hope (Scream It Out Loud) an emotive anthem with gusto and grab. This Is Our Time is more suitably introduced in that strained scream of conviction, followed by an affirming of riffs. The Last Goodbye can only be described as a wonderful and captivating song that begins with a nice ear full of beauty and holds grace and melody till its unfortunate close.

Certainly a valuable addition to this record, No More Waiting opens the door to something altogether different. A brooding style of singing followed by a foray into amplified shouts and persistent chugging riffs, this song has its merits. The Devil Inside, while catering well to the latter part of the record, provides very little originality and hooks, whereas You’re Not Alone is immensely melodic and appealing as well as brimming with emotions. Keep On Moving, another great song, is a slow departure from the intensity of the first half of the record. It is nothing short of inspiring and armed with delightful lyrics. Similarly, The storm plays out as another brilliant anthem that is both grand and satisfying.