I have been anticipating this album for the longest time, and when Switchfoot decided to stream it as a whole on their MySpace, I was elated. There is so much good to say about this album that I do not know where to begin. I guess first of all, I must point out how personal the songs are. I realize that the band struggled for a long time about the sound and direction of the album, and I know that when they made decisions regarding how they wanted to do things, they thought long and hard about them.
Hello Hurricane just seems to stand out to me, even among Switchfoot’s previous releases. Their sound has definitely evolved. There is just so much richness to it, and to me, the band has managed to find something new while still holding on to their old vibe. The opening track, “Needle and Haystack Life,” is such a great, upbeat introduction to the record, and it definitely hails a new era for the band. I must admit, I was even a bit surprised (pleasantly so) that the band I was hearing was indeed Switchfoot. They bring so many new things to the table in songs such as “Enough to Let Me Go,” “Bullet Soul,” and “Sing It Out.” In a way, I would say that they have become a bit more “pop-ish,” and I mean that in a good way. However, I also realize that in this way, they are in fact returning to their mellower and less rock-ish roots as manifested in their early albums. People may say, “o, wow, this doesn’t even sound like Switchfoot,” but it must be pointed out that they actually began more as a pop band. At the same time, it is a bit more than pop. For example, “Sing It Out” seems to me like a song with a sound of its own with lots of ambient synth, and the melody is so unique in terms of Switchfoot. It’s just so different!
With that said, I am absolutely overjoyed to also say that the band still maintains the edgy sound that I love in many tracks. The single, “Mess of Me” definitely has that rock Switchfoot sound, as well as “The Sound,” “Free,” and “Bullet Soul.” “The Sound” is such an audacious song that is reminiscent of songs such as “Dirty Second Hands,” and the rock anthem was even featured in a Verizon Wireless commercial! While we are on these songs, I must point out a few things. First of all, although “Mess of Me” and “The Sound” have been the tracks that have stood out to many, I actually rather like “Bullet Soul.” The rift is just so edgy and is quite reminiscent of the Muse in some sense. I find it very groovy and can’t help but bob my head to it. There is also a shredding guitar solo in it as well. The other neat thing I wanted to pointed about “Free” is that its introduction reminds me of the introduction for the television show, House (“Teardrop,” by Massive Attack). Also, the rest of the song reminds me of the theme song of another show, Lie To Me (“Brand New Day,” by Ryan Star), perhaps because of the chord progression or just the feel of the song itself. I am just pointing these things out only because I think it is interesting to draw these connections and to point out how Switchfoot has expanded their sound, which is awesome.
The album has milder, more intimate tracks as well, such as “Always,” in which which I love the piano, and “Yet,” which reminds a bit of U2. I love how Switchfoot can always manage to connect in their more calming songs with beautiful melodies. Even the closing track, “Red Eyes,” is quite comforting, and it reminds me of “Golden” (off of Nothing Is Sound) in terms of both sound and sentiments. It is an excellent conclusion to the album, and the fadeout at the end left me pondering about the whole album.
The title track, “Hello Hurricane” is a great statement of fortitude and quite reflects the band’s surfer origins. I think my favorite track off of the album (for now, at least) is “Your Love Is A Song.” When I first heard the preview on the band’s website, I grew attached to it. It seems very poetic to me, and the moody melody really moved me.
Overall, I think Hello Hurricane is an amazing album, expanding new horizons for the band, yet still reflecting old sounds. Switchfoot has definitely redefined themselves, and in a way strengthened the definition on which they stood. I must say that I am biased for the band, but I truly do believe that this is a great album. I absolutely cannot wait for the official release. Congratulations, guys, for your success and your journey thus far. I hope you continue to write from deep within.
