Search - Hope of the States :: Lost Riots

The new Radiohead - not quite, but Hope Of The States have gone one better than Muse, Elbow & Coldplay by producing an album of epic majesty & songs that matches 'OK Computer' & makes 'Kid A' look like the over-indulgent meanderings of six form poetry students. 'The Lost Riots' is seeped in darkness - not least due to the unexpected suicide of guitarist Jimmi Lawrence - but never wallows in self pity. Produced by Sigur Ros' Ken Thomas it manages to sound troubled & lonely whilst retaining a hopeful glint that lifts the songs from the mire of miserableness that threaten to destroy. The three singles 'Enemies/Friends', 'Black Dollar Bills' & 'The Red, The White, The Black, The Blue' all feature & all dazzle but don't tell the whole story. Songs (and possible singles) like 'The Black Amnesias' & 'George Washington' have room to flex their impressive tune muscles whilst the sweeping 'Sadness On My Back', the punchy, US underground-influenced 'Nehemiah' & the fantastic '66 Sleepers To Summer' are other highlights. Hope Of The States have come up with a contender for album of the year in 'The Lost Riots'. The band have emerged from the spectre of tragedy to realize their potential & create some of the most impressive sounds in music today. A confident & compelling debut. Sony. 2004.