Hostage Calm
Please Remain Calm
Run For Cover Records (2012)
Sounds like: pop-punk…generally speaking
Score: 10/10
Bands often come to a point in their careers when they decide to move beyond the confines of what made them successful (or in some cases, unsuccessful) and begin experimenting. This is a gamble because fans can go either way, hating them if the experimentation proves ineffective, or loving them more for breaking new ground. Hostage Calm takes a turn to the pop-punk realm with Please Remain Calm, and I think it’s the most ambitious 34 minutes of music they’ve ever released.
The first three tracks of PRC are a logical step forward from the band’s other two full-lengths. “On Both Eyes,” exhibits a poppier, yet more refined Hostage Calm as the band takes listeners through intricate melodies accompanied by a catchy hook. The album continues its pace on “Woke Up Next to a Body” and “Brokenheartland” – a quick pop-punk anthem that gives a nod to Springsteen’s Americana lyrically and musically. Singer Chris Martin’s voice stands out beautifully as the band ravages through a crashing climax, wailing, “We just stopped waiting for someone to save us!” These three tracks immediately show that the band has come a long way since the straightforward hardcore punk days of Lens.
But it’s not until the middle of the album that things start to get really interesting. Catchy and memorable, listeners will tap their toes to the anti-war tune, “Impossible” and the swingy “May Love Prevail.” The band takes a huge gamble on the next two tracks. “The ‘M’ Word,” is an exceptional ballad that addresses the complexities of marriage with strings and horns. “Patriot” is a largely-a capella tune that effortlessly merges Beach Boys-esque vocal patterns into a folk-punk climax. These are the songs that show off how truly talented and well-read (musically speaking) the band has become. The five-and-a-half minute closer, aptly titled “One Last Salute” spans multiple genres and tempos – faithfully and perfectly summing up the record.
I feel that many have overlooked this record, and it’s a shame because it’s creatively brilliant and musically beautiful. Hostage Calm pushes the boundaries of how a pop-punk band can sound. Don’t miss this hidden gem.
-Ian Caramanzana
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