Hawthorne Heights "Hate"

Like most bands, they improve with time, and with the construction of their independent Cardboard Empire, they are ready to begin a chapter in this board book. If you Hate their heavier style, then maybe you should stray away from this record, but then you would miss out on some potent material. “There Was A Kid (Part 1)” is sadly not one in a million, but a statistic. There are many stories like these, but that does not erase the emotion that is present; the delivery of vocals hits it home. Think they have gone soft? Too melodic and happy? Well, “Is This What You Wanted?” The distortion and darker tones are not without its positivity “If it helps keep you afloat, it must be the way to go.” You can be “Divided” on the direction they have decided to take in the first part of the trilogy, there is a lot of screaming,  but it is better to unite and rise above the “Hate.” The latter does mention a lot of things Woodruff despises, but it is probably the most melodic track on the record. Less is more when it comes to this song, and I can sympathize with Woodruff wanting to cut his heart out to give it to some girl; OK, someone special, you don’t just give your heart to just any girl, or guy. This next song can refer to the life of a majority of young adults and teenagers, in summer or all year round, or referring to themselves; “Live this life while you're still young” is not very specific, but the chorus has more focus. The title, “Wasted in Nyc,” is what has me question who it is about. I know there are people who have come close to crashing into more than just a bed because of a lack of sleep and caffeine; it’s simple, the song urges you to “Stay Awake/Stay Alive” even if it snows not where you are; those gang vocals are a shot of adrenaline right before the crash. This may be misinterpreted, but if I am not mistaken this next song refers to families with members currently in the firefight across the “Oceans.” This next song sounds like the perfect anthem for the paranoid seclusionist screaming at “Four White Walls.” The final song sounds like a call to arms; preparing for the end of the world by the obstruction of its demise. It may reveal their beliefs, but the song also lets their potential shine in this near-perfect composition; musically, and even lyrically to some extent. We are “Passengers” on the train destined for destruction only if we let ourselves lounge around with apathy.