Hawthorne Heights - ‘Lost Lights’ review

Album review

28 Sep

Hawthorne Heights has been one of the names in alternative music for over 20 years. As an on-off follower of the group for the last decade, that begs the question, what are they doing putting out EP's 22 years in? Here's what we thought of the latest release Lost Lights through Pure Noise Records:

The opening track 'The Storm' gets things off like a shot. JT Woodruff described their previous release as "an 18-year breakdown in the making". This, by comparison, feels like real, unfiltered, Hawthorne Heights music. This time around Woodruff wrote 'The Storm' alone, in a cabin, "in a world where everything was falling apart". He said he was "purposefully lost" in that setting as a means to inspire this track. This, in a post-covid world, while Woodruff sings that "War at home is never ending" inspires a lot of reflection. Mark McMillon's harsh vocals are excellent here as well, this feels like a release for the band. HH knows its place in the medium, and this sound needs to be it as it seems to register well with the fans having been available since late July.

'Dandelions' takes everything about the previous track, and trades the melody for energy. A lot more pop-punk influences in this one, but it is that perfect blend with heavier elements. This track has been floating around for almost a year, first dropping in October last year. It's been part of the set since then as well so it seems iron-clad as one of Hawthorne Heights feature tracks now. It seems like another perfect addition to things. The final single from the EP, 'Lucerne Valley' we've again had available for upward of 6 months. The EP's style gets lighter as it continues, this is the most conceptual track so far, and the most pop-punk. 'Lucerne Valley' dropped in March between the other two excellent singles, and has also been getting some live play in that time. It still has a mix of clean and unclean vocals that fits in with the EP, and it's a nice reprieve from what is an emotion heavy first half of Lost Lights.

'Empty' is the first track where we haven't had a single, or any use of it in pre-release material. This is a good pop-punk song that serves well as being the other side of the coin for Hawthorne Heights sound. The track does have its highlights, Chris Popadak's drumming sounds especially crisp here. This one fulfills the commitment to anyone who's a fan of the band for their emo side. The only reason this is an issue is because Hawthorne Heights dabbles in heavier parts so well. Evidence of that is at its clearest with final track 'We Were Never Lost'. Some odd omens about finality, age, and going home had me worried about what this means for Hawthorne Heights. That said, this is the best blend of their style, ending the release on a high note. It's a melodic way to end things, and the bass from Matt Ridenour is like butter in the background. That's all completely sliced in half for brief periods, again, I'm a huge fan of Mcmillon's harsh vocals. Hawthorne Heights is going to need to cut some fan favourites out of their set to make room for some of these tracks, and I'm okay with that.

This review started by asking what business Hawthorne Heights had doing a 5-track EP 22 years in. Anyone who agreed with that question, its their (See also: My) fault for doubting them. Hawthorne Heights, Hawthorne Heart, Hawthorne Soul. Lost Lights is a very authentic EP from a band who’s great at what they do.

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