The Lost Riots, Hope of the States (From Warrington Guardian)

The Lost Riots, Hope of the States

MICK MIDDLES

As the band's hip credentials gather darkly in the background - guitarist James Lawrence's myth-making suicide during the recording of the debut album obviously accounts for much - critics continue to fall over themselves to be seen dishing out the superlatives. It is difficult, however, to match the reality of this album with the deafening hyperbole. (Sony are past masters at the art of whipping up such a storm).

The stupid term 'post-rock' is also bandied about too freely and is a wholly inadequate description. What we find is a rock central core sound that is swelled and fattened by horns and strings, the latter of which helps to provide an unsettling sense of melancholic. Comparisons with Joy Division are also futile as Hope of the States seek to broaden rather than minimalise. They achieve this marrying those unlikely accompaniments to a rage of apocalyptic guitars that bring echoes of Radiohead's mighty OK Computer days. Not that Hope of the States are presently deserving of such comparisons. Although they do have passion and intensity, one feels that the basic heart of their song writing has yet to gain a unique and distinctive base. Sony's hope is such that the band are appearing just over the cusp that segues from underground to mainstream. This is possible, given the radio-friendly production but, on this evidence, singles charts will not be ablaze with a bold new direction.

The Lost Riots is a fine album of mood and feel. However, it meanders rather too freely and the concentration of the part-convinced listener fades long before the disappointing conclusion. There is promise for the future ... considerable promise but I do feel they have climbed into the spotlight at least one album too soon.