Since emerging with their self-titled effort four years ago, Hostage Calm have been described as “the Beach Boys of Pop-Punk”. Whilst they’re far from your run-of-the-mill Pop-Punk band, their fourth full-length ‘Die on Stage’ fits that description.
From the outset it takes the band’s foundation of combining 50’s/60’s rock ‘n’ roll with pop sensibilities and a punk edge. I’ll admit on first listen you want something more grittier from ‘Die on Stage’ as it doesn’t seem to expand their sound. However on further listen you’re won over by their infectious mix, and the occasional hint of a tougher edge.
It kicks off brightly with ‘When You Know’ providing an upbeat start with throwback pop approach and catchy chorus. Whilst ‘Love Against’ is an early highlight and keeps up the momentum. It’s anthemic chorus and overall radio-friendly tone is well presented and deserves plenty of repeated plays.
‘Someone Else’ gives the band the opportunity to take a slightly darker alt-rock route with lyrics to match as they cover the issue of pretending to be something else to please someone else. It’s a track that breaks up the album’s overall light tone but doesn’t spoil it’s quality or momentum.
Next up is ‘Fallen Angel’, a quick blast of post-punk powerpop that sums up the band’s style. Whilst lead single ‘Your Head / Your Heart’ is warming, polished, and like ‘Love Against’, it is a stand out track. The playful piano pings compliment the band’s poppy choruses.
Vinnie Caruana (I Am The Avalanche etc) offers raw backing vocals on ‘Raised’ as HC take a more somber approach, even if sweeping strings compliment during the verses and stuttering synth’s during the conclusion. It allows the track to experiment to a degree and it nearly works.
’12/31’ sees them stretching their ballad-like arms with gentle acoustics and a poignat tale of a broken heart on New Years Eve. Whilst the anthemic chorus of “I faced the world alone” has potential to become a highlight at the band’s show.
‘Die On Stage’ is rounded off by ‘Darling You’ and ‘Past Ideas of the Future’. The former is another quick blast of punk rock-infused rock n roll with dominating drums from. Whereas the latter builds at a steady pace with crooning barbershop harmonies and allows vocalist Chris “Cmar” Martin to take centre stage. Like the album itself, ‘Past Ideas of the Future’ isn’t effective on first listen but after a few repeated listens, it rounds off the album in an ideal fashion both musically and lyrically.
Overall ‘Die On Stage’ is a triumphant release from a band that aren’t appreciated enough. As this record shows, they have the capability to broaden their lyrical and musical approach but at the same time stick to their origins and identity. It is a fun record that sees Hostage Calm at their peak. It might be missing the tough edge you’d hope a band like Hostage Calm could provide, but instead we’re given ten songs that are consistent and a joy to hear.
4.5/5
Please Note: This review was written before the band announced their break up on Wednesday 8th October 2015.
‘Die On Stage’ by Hostage Calm is out now on Run For Cover Records.
Hostage Calm links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)
