hecklergigs - Hope Of The States, Newcastle Academy 2, 22/4

After seemingly disappearing off the radar for the last few years, Hope Of The States have finally returned to promote their eagerly anticipated second album Left.

It was only a month ago that we were all grinning like monkeys after hearing vinyl-only Hope Of The States EP The Blood Meridian. The four track record showed that the band haven’t changed too much from their debut album The Lost Riots and stick to the formula of projecting out feelgood atmospheric indie.

A low key venue tour was the decision taken by the band to promote material for this record, and just after the doors opened for the show it was quickly filled to capacity. Quickly emerging on to the stage were Devics, a band shipped over America to keep us all happy.
At first it seemed like Devics were an acoustic White Stripes with lead singer Sara Lov’s vocals floating over catchy acoustic riffs. Disappointingly, however, she later revealed that three other band members we’re missing. For some bizarre reason, it would have taken them to long to get set up etc. But not all was lost, they were stored in a sampler which did create the impression of a band but felt too wooden with perfect backing guitars accompanying her sometimes scratchy voice.

Sound problems seemed to be worry the technicians as they set up for Hope Of The States - guitars were checked, checked again and then once more just for protection - but after all the messing around on came Hope Of The States to make their triumphant return to Newcastle. Sure it was a smaller venue for this particular tour, but the intimate surroundings seemed to rub off on the band, with them all being in good spirits.

As expected, the majority of the set was dedicated to showcasing their new material for all to hear, presumably before it gets leaked on to the internet, but it did go down a storm with the capacity audience who lapped up every moment of the gig. But it wasn’t all about bringing in the new and forgetting about the past, older tracks we’re played too. One of the stand-outs was one of the first ever singles put out by the band. Black Dollar Bills combines haunting guitars and pianos that Godspeed! You Black Emperor and Explosions In The Sky would cry for. Add to these the soaring vocals of frontman Sam Herlihy makes a track that left the audience opened mouthed.

The new Hope Of The States material is a sign that they weren’t a one album wonder, new single Shout It Out showed. With a bit more backing from the major TV and radio companies, this band could easily propel themselves to the fame they deserve. 

[review by Matthew Laidlow]