Hopewell knows how to get your attention. From the opening seconds of their new album, Hopwell & The Birds Of Appetite, you are showered with blasts of saxophone, trumpet, and that wonderfully distorted trademark drum sound of uber-producer Dave Fridmann. “Trumpet For A Lung” is an explosive opener, which is perfect for this eclectic psychedelic-pop record. Lead singer and founder Jason Russo’s career got off to an amazing start at the age of 19 as a member of Mercury Rev. Now fronting his own band, he has composed songs that are both bombastic and beautiful. The irresistible second track “Calcutta” lies somewhere between Tripping Daisy and Jane’s Addiction. “Praise Twice” is one badass rock track, teetering somewhere between classic Tom Petty and the finest prog rock money can buy. Yeah, this is a fucked up combination, but it really works. One of this album’s highlights is “Synthetic Symphony”, which starts off sounding like a tripped out dreamy track from the Beatles, building up to a gorgeous eruption of keys, sweeping guitars and soaring vocals. Few bands have the ability to utilize extreme dynamics, going from a gentle bass line to a maelstrom of squealing saxophones and storming guitars, but Hopewell does this with ease on the fantastic “Hello Radio”. Then there is “Kings And Queens”. Can you say indie-tastic Pink Floyd? Stripped down prog goodness has never sounded so good. Followers of Grandaddy will perk up when played “4 AM”, with Jason Lytle-ish vocals over keyboard arpeggios and a hypnotic drum pattern. Fans of bands ranging from David Bowie to the Flaming Lips need to hear this record. Music this cinematic and brilliant doesn’t come along often, so pay attention and enjoy every note of it. Now go close your eyes and go for a flight with The Birds Of Appetite. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

Hopewell
Tee Pee Records

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