Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 06/26/2007
Bursting out of the blocks with
"Boys! Grab Your Guns," the new look
My American Heart send the blood pumping and the adrenalin racing on their latest set,
Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather. Now boasting a second guitarist, with the enlistment of
Matt VanGasbeck, and further plumping up the sound with the copious use of keyboards, courtesy of album producer
James Paul Wisner. Needless to say then,
Hiding is quite a musical step forward from
The Meaning in Makeup.
MAH have always been a dynamic band, and
Hiding boasts an exhilarating trio of
emo-styled rockers center stage, kicking off with the incendiary title track, and continuing through the powerful
"The Innocent Letter" and the hard rocking
"There Are More Frightening Things...." These hefty numbers are beautifully counter-pointed by the introspective ballad
"All My Friends," and the sublime downtempo,
jazz flecked
"Dangerous." That latter song surges into
psychedelia, abetted by the acid- washed organ. In contrast, the driving
"Speak Low If You Speak Love" is an inspired meld of
post-punk and modern
rock, with a sweet chorus that screams hit single. The aforementioned
"Boys! Grab Your Guns" is even more infectious, with a hook big enough to raise the Titanic. There again,
Hiding is awash in strong melodies and irrepressible choruses, with
"Fantasy"'s being yet another standout. But the intricacies of the arrangements, layered guitars, shifting rhythms, and supple use of organ move the band far beyond the usual fare found in either the
emo or
pop/rock scenes. Add thoughtful lyrics and universal themes, mostly revolving around shaky relationships, and
MAH has created an album sure to resonate for years to come.
~Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
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