Album Review: Hawthorne Heights - Skeletons

After finally parting ways with Victory Records, Hawthorne Heights' latest release 'Skeletons' turns out to be a case of "playing it safe", although stylistically the band at times tried to establish themselves as a alt-rock band, and try to shake off the "emo" tag that they have been burdened with for so long.

I'll admit I have a soft spot for their lyrical self-loathing, however like their previous efforts it soon comes over-bearing and dull. Openers 'Bring You Back' and 'Nervous Breakdown' are fine examples of this; they're favourable and set the tone of the album but its nothing we have not heard before.

As 'Skeletons' settles into a more or less comfortable zone, there isn't much to say in terms of variation except for 'Drive' with its horrible squeaky electronic inclusion and the country-tinged 'Gravestones', which provides calm interlude.

Whilst 'Last Few Words' is subtly built around electronic drums before launching into the bands mediocre style. 'Hollywood & Vine' is musically upbeat and hints a more positive lyrical approach but their negativity somehow remains in tact.

I was willing to give Hawthorne Heights a chance; a change in label gave them an opportunity to start over. Instead its more of the same with the bands lyrical delivery showing little to no progression; 'Picket Fences' is draining both musically and morally.

Nevertheless 'Skeletons' is cohesive yet there isn't much to highlight, other than the first two tracks ('Bring You Back' and 'Nervous Breakdown'), as by the end of it you've pretty much had your fill of the bands self-pitying; 'Boy' is a twinkling, ballad-like number that drags at a worrying pace.

Understandably the bands past troubles has influenced the writing of this record, most obviously the passing of guitarist Casey Calvert, you just feel that it's all a bit too much and perhaps they should change something both musically and lyrically.

2.5/5

'Skeletons' by Hawthorne Heights is available now on Wind-Up Records.

Purchase 'Skeletons' on iTunes.

Official Website

Hawthorne Heights on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter

Sean Reid