Sing for the Enemy,
Hostage LifeSeven songs, 18 minutes...this is more like it. Hostage Life come from the same Canadian background as Closet Monster and Protest the hero and they play a caustic-humoured melodic hardcore in the mould of a Dillinger Four or Propagandhi. While the music may not quite live up to either of those two bands (this is the band's debut EP re-released in Europe on HHN) it's still pretty impressive. It's fast, furious, catchy and cynical - a real punk rock record with plenty of potential.
Sonically the band stick to a pretty solid formula of fast guitar licks and shouty in-yer-face vocals. The band's bio states they are influenced by The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers which, if the two bands were given a 21st Century makeover, would be a decent reference point. But it's lyrically where Hostage Life really stand out. 'Happy 2000 And Anything', in the liner notes, is renamed: "In New York It Rained Bodies, In Kabul It Rained Bombs and To A Lesser extent Food Packages." That's the opening line of the notes - a definite sign of things to come.
From capitalism to 9/11, a lot of 'touchy' subjects are discussed over the course of the 9 tracks. Nike get a hammering on the fabulous 'Nickel Sneakers' too. There's a cynical wit here that Dillinger have trademarked, and that's what makes Hostage Life so damn interesting. As a prelude to a brand new record later this year, this re-release serves as an excellent introduction and starting point. If Hostage Life can build on what they already have, that full-length will be very special indeed.
www.hostagelife.com
Householdname Records
paul
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