Over the past few weeks, I've been kind of disappointed. Trying to look for good post-hardcore bands is like trying to find a four-leaf clover; it's nearly impossible, and if you do it's shear luck. I have come across bands, though -- the likes of Sleeping With Sirens and Dance Gavin Dance are my ears' new allergies. Just when I thought I'd move on, a diamond in the rough (or, I guess, a four leaf clover): here is Hindsights' debut, 'The Thoughts That Weigh Me Down.'
It has been a year since it has been released, and since then it has been dashed into obscrity, topping no charts, receiving minimal criticism, and never, EVER on the radio. Does it deserve more? Yes, yes it does.
Listening to this EP, I am reminded of the satisfying, meldoic and aggressive vocals of Brand New or Minor Threat, the social minimalism and depression of The Smiths, lyrics deeply resembling Joy Division's, melodies similar to that of The Pixies, and an emo sound comparable to no other group; on this album, Hindsights creates a heavy and loud sound, yet calming and serene at the same time. The song "Fluoxetine" (a depression medication) overwhelms the listener with a pop-punk-ish sound and still gloomy lyrics. "Grey" reminds me of 10,000 Maniacs' "Like the Weather" -- a depressed scene of not wanting to even get out of bed, yet still a great song.
The really great thing about 'TTTWMD' is that it sounds so very mature and developed in its songs -- first time I listened to this, I thought that Hindsights has been around for a decade, at least. The production is so fitting for the genre, and the musicians are audibly skilled. Every song is an emotional journey as you lean back and let the music take you under its wing. They're very experienced in both writing and playing music. It sounds perfect, doesn't it? Ah, it may be. It just may be. But listen deeper.
This EP is awesome. But some of the problems with it root deeper than a one-time listen and raving about how cool you are because you like some emo band that no one else knows. Grow up. Although this band is extremely autumnal, it lacks in some areas. One area I came upon while listening to this album is the fact that some songs aren't as memorable or satisfying as others; "Daydreams" is pretty boring and forgettable. Also, it seems as though Hindsights is craving popularity rather than trying to make good music. "Watercolour Sunset" and "Heavy Head" just sound way too much like radio-pop songs. It sounds like they are rejecting their influences to create catchy, trendy, repetitive pop songs that appeal to the radio demographic, and doesn't appeal to me. Their lyrics aren't the best either:- instead of trying to be poetic and cause emotional attachment, Hindsights is making easy-to-deliver, generic ballad lyrics.
So as a whole, this album is pretty frickin' awesome, but having to listen to derivative pop songs gets kinda old. If this group would just reject trying to become popular (hence become a little bit more punk rock) they would succeed, and win our emo-craving hearts over. 4.5/5
