 The Boston-based bombers let 'em fly on their second release, considered to be more 'progressive' from their first, Cold Blue. And it might well be, but only if we define progression as nothing short of a reign of bullets and black clouds. The Hope Conspiracy by their very name seek to be the silver lining amongst the despair we as a race have to muddle through on a daily basis.
In sifting through the lyrics we come across the usual themes of defeat, defiance, depression . . . Departed, Defiant Hearts, Distant, Deadman . . . all written into the titles, and The Hope Conspiracy battle through them in a rage of riff heavy exploits and deafening yelling. It wasn't until I got to the little aside at the conclusion of For Love that I realised they wrote this record specifically for me . . . or in fact, that there are actually others of a failed adolescence living in bitter regret with insanity as an only means for escape? Maybe not quite so severe, but hey, thanks for noticing guys.
Social animals that we are, we find strength and solace in an album like Endnote. It's angst-filled and anti-conformist new-age hardcore; a parallel to Sick Of It All's disillusioned youth, and Pro-Pain's taste for blood. However, The Hope Conspiracy's aggression is tempered with an ensuing madness and melodic dissonance that's emotional at its core, yet nervous at the extremes.
We have the evening news to remind us of the misery of our surroundings, but it takes Endnote's quick flying chunks of fear and frustration to really pummel the point home. :: Vinnie Apicella |
