Hello is the most recent four-track EP from LA alt-rock outfit, Hullore. From the first few notes of the sizzling bass riff that opens “Seizure,” I knew this band was going to blast my face off. The scorching electric guitar and drums hadn’t even exploded into full effect yet, but I could sense the epic climax on its way. The crisp vocals and electrifying choruses were wonderful, but it was the ending that took this track to the next level — the drum fills are manic, and the guitar solo is fearsome. Hullore is a band that knows how to put together a strong intro. I’m hooked from the first track; for me, it’s always important that an album makes a good first impression. I’m a sucker for a big starting track — perhaps even more than a big closing track.
“Arise” is another scorcher, but I think the loud-quiet dynamic is even more impressive on this track. As I always say, it makes the loud moments more impactful if a song has plenty of restrained moments too. The contrast between calm, dissonant verses with the frantic, almost mathcore-infused choruses is just so sonically pleasing. The lead vocalist’s Offspring-esque vocals, though very pop-punk-flavored, really mesh well with the sizzling, heavy rock instrumentation. This is a band with great chemistry in terms of their overall aesthetic, as well as their songwriting, which is also top-notch. “The Siren” has some of my favorite guitar-work on the album. The reverberating, distorted arpeggio that plays throughout the song is a real ear-worm. And I’m a big fan of the squealing, high-fretted electric guitar riffs in the verses — there are some powerful, enigmatic power chords in the choruses too. Just to lay the compliments on Hullore, that breakdown at the end? Absolutely sublime. Another fantastic tune. “Johnny Appleseed” is a laidback closer to an electrifying album. Well, that’s the illusion it gives at first. A clean electric guitar riff and tight, muted drumming underpin washed-out vocals to create a sleek but dark grunge track that oozes with Nirvana essence whilst still possessing Hullore’s originality. And, as the track progresses, the crunchy power chords and guttural vocals come into play, as does the powerful drumming. It’s a great finish to a great album.
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