MUSIC REVIEW: HOOBASTANK – Push Pull

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: May 25, 2018

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I always thought Hoobastank was one of those fringe bands that never hit their stride and pinnacle after the release of their debut and sophomore efforts.  With the release of their latest and sixth release Push Pull they have finally released an album that captures the rock vibe of their music in a way that shows off their pop sensibility while letting them show off a little of the mainstream rock sound they have brewing under the surface.  opening track “Don’t Look Away” kicks off with some synth sounds but a driving bass beat kicks in and controls the flow of the track and gives the disc a perfect launch pad so to speak.  Title track “Push Pull” is another cool pop rock track that leans into the bands catalog sound but tweaks it a bit with a little rock swagger of 2018.  The vocals are cool and feature a great layered sound and the guitars dance perfectly in the accompaniment.  “Head Over Heels” is a cool cover of Tears For Fears 1980’s classic that melds the feel and arrangement of the original with the Hoobastank sound and groove, stamping it with their own vibe.  Be sure to check out the guitar riffs as the song outros.  “Just Let Go (Who Cares If We Fall)” is one of the first songs that let’s up on the rock edge and gives us something that is reminiscent of most of the bands catalog.  The vocals carry the track while the guitars and bass pair up in the background. – “We Don’t Need The World” is a cool ballad-ish track that drew me in first listen through, but took some time to really sink in and become one of my favorites.  The lyrics are poignant and are perfectly delivered through the emotion of the vocals.  The band provides the perfect musical landscape for this track.  I find myself humming this one randomly through my day after listening to the disc.  Disc closer “There Will Never Be Another One” is another song that wanders into ballad-like material.  The guitars and keyboards play nicely in the mix while the bass and drums anchor the track.  The vocals stand out and keep the song from simply passing through in the background.

“More Beautiful” ramps up from the opening notes and keeps the foot tapping and head moving until the last note resonates from your stereos speakers.  The thumping bass lines, chugging guitar riffs, layered vocals, and calculated percussion and drum give this song a killer feel and rhythm that delivers one of the better songs on the disc.  “True Believer” is pop-rock goodness with a great bottom end from the bass and drums.  The chugging tempo and heavy bottom end swirl perfectly with the guitars and vocals.  The rhythm is contagious and should be a crowd pleasure in a live scenario.  “Better Left Unsaid” is a cool track that leans heavier into a pop sound than rock, but you cannot discount the bass lines or the guitars that are tossed into the mix throughout the track.  The chugging riffs and thumping bass raise this track to the next level, with the vocals taking on an edgier feel to complete the vibe of the song, giving the disc a slightly different feel as we kick the second half into gear.  “Buzzkill (Before You Say Goodbye)” is a gritty rock track that I have loved from the first spin through the disc.  The bass line is funky and sexy, setting the mood for the track, while vocals deliver cool lyrics and the guitars enhance the overall feel of the track. This song has it all and is one of the best I have heard all year.  It is contagious and should be received as well as any of the bands hits when the fans hear this new material.  “Fallen Star” is a different track from a sonic angle.  The vocals are more regimented and the sound of the band in the mix seems more programmed and methodical.  The song sees the band getting in touch with their past while mixing in the flavor of the newer material on this disc.

Tracklisting: Don’t Look Away – Push Pull – More Beautiful – Head Over Heels – True Believer – Just Let Go (Who Cares If We Fall) – Better Left Unsaid – We Don’t Need The World – Buzzkill (Before You Say Goodbye) – Fallen Star – There Will Never Be Another One

HOOBASTANK LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PUSH PULL – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews