This single was released in late April, so on behalf of Chordblossom I’d like to apologise for the delay in getting this single reviewed.
Mid-Ulster (via Belfast) four-piece Hostage Party were formed in 2010 and have done well to get to the point of releasing this single with an accompanying video. It’s one thing to invest in your music in terms of recording, but videos of any sort of decent quality (i.e. not slideshows) cost and do not always give good value for money. So all-in-all Hostage Party have put together a pretty impressive package.
The band credit ‘everyone’ as an influence, and I do detect a myriad of influences in this one tune alone with no single influence screaming out. Overall I liken the song itself to a UK/Irish version of Live or latterday R.H.C.P. but with the vocals having a Gavin Rossdale (Bush) feel to them instead of Ed Kowalczyk or Anthony Keidis.
Overall it is a fine effort, though I think the production could be a little better; the sound is a little cluttered in places and the vocals do lack in comparison with the likes of Kowalczyk. Whether that is due to the melody writing or ability I am unsure but I would just like to hear a more defined transition from verse to hook. But by no means should this be viewed as a major criticism, rather more of something to develop in future as the band progress. Definitely a band to keep your eye on and to catch live, as they promise a great gig and tight performance.
