Album Review: I Can See Mountains - Hope You Never Get It

Album Review: I Can See Mountains – Hope You Never Get It

If a band has you hooked within the first twenty seconds, then you know you’re probably in for something special, and Buffalo, New York’s I Can See Mountains do just that on their latest release. ‘Hope You Never Get It’ is a brash, energetic 27 minute punk rock record, that ultimately thrives of the bands youthful, raw approach and instantly catchy melodies.

‘Crossing the Delaware at the Museum of Modern Art’ kick starts the record with it’s radiant tempo and passionate vocals which sound bright and ideal, with striking pop punk guitar chords adding to it’s brilliance. One fantastic characteristic ICSM introduce early on, is the ability to suitably blend vocal melodies. It’s something that quickly reminds you of Taking Back Sunday’s early days, and thankfully remains consistent throughout.

‘Hey Man’ takes a slightly more edgier approach but the commanding chorus takes over. While it is evident enough to see, this quintet have the capability of providing memorable hooks; “I’m not paying for the room upstairs. You said you wanted money, so I cut my hair.”

Next up is ‘Tournesol,’ which sees the bands influences (The Get Up Kids and Saves The Day) subtly come into play, especially in the structure. The bands tempo is slightly more laid back but the bands energy remains intact, and delivers a rewarding chorus.

Plucky guitars riffs welcome in ‘I’m Really Going to Miss This Place,’ and somewhat spoil the track by drowning out Kevin Hoffman’s vocals, but like much of this record, the bands upbeat chorus rescues the track.

‘Dirt (My Buddy, My Pal)’ carries on the bands momentum with it’s tempo and Hoffman’s strong-yet-rough vocal work keeping the band as a whole stable.

For the closing track (‘The Search for Phil Cummings’), I Can See Moutains lower the pace; slow guitar and bass notes make way to relaxed vocals which confidently carry the track along nicely before ringing guitars and proud group vocals fade out, leaving a final strong impression.

Much likes their influences, it’s slightly difficult to class I Can See Moutains as a pop-punk band or a punk rock band. On one hand they have that instant, fiery passionate energy of the latter, yet have the melodies and hooks of the former.

Nonetheless for a debut release, ‘Hope You Never Get It’ is impressive, self-assured collection that demands to be heard for any fans of either genre.

Trust me, after a handful of listens, I Can See Mountains won’t leave your earbuds, as ‘Hope You Never Get It’ is a big statement of intent from a band who have potential to go far.

5/5

‘Hope You Never Get It’ by I Can See Mountains is available now on iTunes.