The four tracks that make up this demo are the best four songs Leicester's Have A Go Hero have ever written. Fact. I've been quite critical of the band in the past for taking too much from their influences, and at the same time not really knowing where they are heading; a band that flick between Brand New, Taking Back Sunday and The Early November - and then back again. The good news for the Heroes is that they're starting to find their own little identity. And after being released by Lockjaw, these songs could end up proving the label made a mistake.
'Chakan: The Forever Man' goes on for about a minute too long, yet it's catchy, has a solid foundation and kicks things off in the right vein. There's a more 'rock' influence than a trendy emo one, which also gives the band a more British feel. And because I've criticised the band for being too American in the past, this is a welcome change. That's not to say the band have completely ditched their US influence - the start of 'Watching Mistakes Turn Into Years' could easily come from 'Your Favourite Weapon'-era Brand New - but the Americanisms have certainly been smoothed out. The production is solid and the songwriting is definitely on the up too - the choruses are stronger and the guitar riffs far more distinctive.
'Three Floors To The Street' reminds me a little of Audio Karate meets Northstar, proof this latest demo shows a massive improvement on their previous EP. And while it's still not at the superhero stage - it's more Fantastic Four than Spiderman - Have A Go Hero are at least having a good go...
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