'Magnetic North', the new album from post hardcore/emo band Hopesfall sounds more like it should have Chevelle's name on it. They've obviously changed since their early days on trustkill, putting out records like 'The Satellite Years', that were more of a cross between the screamo stylings Underoath had going on at the time, mixed in with a more eclectic style of extended instrumental passages throughout. 'Magnetic North', however, is nothing like that.
Album opener "Rx Contender The Pretender" could easily be in any commercial rock radio station's regular rotation, and it won't be a huge surprise if this album ends up being the one that breaks this band and brings some sort of mainstream acceptance. While there are still moments where the band showcase a tendency to lean toward less trendy semi Tool inspired instrumental breaks (about the halfway point of "Swamp Kittens"), the pop structure of the songs will help get radio play, and a video ending up on regular rotation on MTV wouldn't be much of a surprise either.
"Cubic Zirkonias Are Forever" adds an interesting twist to things, as vocalist Jay Forrest comes off sounding like The Cure's Robert Smith. The song doesn't sound too much like anything a band like The Cure might be inclined to put out, but Jay makes no bones about carrying on throughout the song in his best imitation, or possibly homage to a potential influence.
"I Can Do This On An Island" comes off with that soft vocal style, and big melodic chorus, very much in the vein of Dashboard Confessional. Though Jay doesn't actually sound completely like Chris Carrabba, he comes pretty damn close to it during said choruses. Throughout the remainder of the track, he comes off sounding once again like Robert Smith as well Pete Loeffler.
"Vacation/Add/Vacation!" is so catchy it seems almost as if it was written specifically with radio and TRL in mind, replete with memorable, sing-along chorus and the typical three and a half minute running time. The album's title track, as well as "The Canon" are the only signature Hopesfall instrumental tracks on the entire album.
