LoveHateHero-America Underwater-Review

[BrandenPCTV]

LoveHateHero-America Underwater
Release Date: September 29th, 2009
Record Label: Ferret Records
Genre: Rock

It’s been a while since I last listened to LoveHateHero’s very melodic record, “White Lies.” It went over a lot of peoples heads back in 2007, and while it was a tad forgettable, its catchy tracks were always easy to pick up. Now, two years later, the band is ready to release their new album “America Underwater” which the band has called a “retooling of their sound.” Normally all bands like to say that so they don’t appear stagnant. This time though, they were not kidding.

In an attempt to mellow out their metalcore sound, LoveHateHero has essentially ditched their blaring intricate fretwork and energetic albums for a less-rugged, mostly-lighter effort. I guess it doesn’t help that they enlisted the help of producers Daniel James and Leah Haywood (Aly & Aj, Automatic Love Letter, Hannah Montana) who are clearly notorious pop producers. My only question is how a band went from sounding like Chiodos, Escape The Fate, and Before Their Eyes — to taming their sound, choosing to focus on vocal complexities, and leading a general rock lifestyle. Ok, that last one is debatable but “America Underwater” is such a jump away from their recent album, you might feel a little alienated. I remember hearing “White Lies” for the first time and praising its wildly melodic guitars and extremely catchy tracks.

“America Underwater” borrows more from their freshman record “Just Breathe” which implored a punk demeanor over explosive hooks and riffage. That doesn’t mean this album doesn’t have them, as tracks like “Too Little Too Late” play out their previous ways, including screams and manic guitars. And truthfully, I fully enjoy this new record. This less abrasive album helps hone the out of control nature of “White Lies” into an upbeat rock effort with quick guitars and charming hooks. In addition, the focus on singing has brought an endearing quality to LoveHateHero, that didn’t quite exist before.

All in all, this new records feels like a good path for the band. Of course it sounds more mainstream, less edgy, or some might even claim “pussified,” but “America Underwater” still features their energizing attitude, catchy rock, beautiful vocals, and a sprinkle or two of high flying guitars. If you are looking for metalcore and mountains of complicated fretwork on this record though, that ship has sailed for now. But what LoveHateHero have created here is still going to stay in your stereo for a while. You’re younger sister might even steal it. Just warning you. ~Staff

Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:
1.Saints And Sinners (His Story)
2.America Underwater
3.You’ll Never Know
4.Think Twice (Running With Scissors, Pt. II)
5.Echoes
6.Wait To See You
7.Pants Off Dance Off
8.Come And Get It
9.Procession Of Regression
10.Too Little, Too Late

Tags: America Underwater, Before Their Eyes, Chiodos, Daniel James, Escape The Fate, Just Breathe, Leah Haywood, LoveHateHero, White Lies, warped tour 2010, chain reaction,ferret records