Hawthorne Heights "Skeletons"

              In 2004, they became Ohio’s “it”  band, and a band receiving criticism for being redundant and formulaic when it comes to mood shifts. Their second record did not wish If Only You Were Lonely, but also wished you would listen to their second record; revealing a more prominent dynamism, and softer songs. I liked that record, but I felt that their third record was their most consistent, and my favorite. It was entirely coincidental that this was the first record recorded after the death of Casey Calvert; may he rest in peace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In fact the opening song sounds like it was dedicated to Casey; it is up to interpretation, and is a strong start, but only a buffer for what is to come. The first single’s groove and rhythm have to be one of the highlights of the album; I cannot say funk, or dance, so what can I say? “I'm spinning round, calling out, I'm falling I'm falling/I don't care, I don't care what you think of me right now.” Am I having a “Nervous Breakdown?” The third track was rumored to be on their last album, and maybe it was a good idea that it wasn’t, because it sounded like there was sugar in the engine. While I enjoy the instrumental aspect, I enjoy the lyrical content more. This song has “Drive,” and its happy mosh-vibe just begs  you to acknowledge it by playing it loud with the windows down; the syrupy synths almost encourage you to dance. The “Gravestones” not only hold those Skeletons, but are encased in a folk-punk casket. “Broken Man” asks the question of if having knowledge of your demise may determine how you spend your time left, and when you may speak those “Last Few Words.” The slightly bluesy cadence of the guitars work well with the steady pace, that seems like it should be faster, as it rides on these “Abondoned Driveways” in this mid-tempo yeller. Need a contemplative masterpiece? A song that is introspective, yet sounds like it’s from the perspective of someone else. Someone who dreamed of a huge house and sturdy “Picket Fences,” and all they have is a worn down wooden fence? Why do I feel like smashing some pumpkins in the following song? “Here I Am” with a gun to the head, and the hand that holds a bullet with butterfly wings in the other. This song sounds familiar, even with that plinky piano played on “Hollywood & Vine.” I’m not saying sorry for my opinion. Track 10 just sounds like it is one of those songs that sound best toward the end of a record; not that they were desperate to add a song so they picked one with low quality. I feel bad that the single didn’t get much airplay, but it’s not like it is “Unforgiveable,” it is just sad. This “Boy” almost makes me wanna cry. Everything about the song is beautiful, from the piano and heart-tugging strings to the piano balladry, and the lyrics themselves; maybe it is little death that makes life more meaningful.