Hopewell - Beautiful Targets

Label: Tee-Pee
Rating: 4 Guns

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New York-based Hopewell, fronted by ex-Mercury Rev bass player, Jason Russo has been a critic’s darling from their inception. That’s understandable after listening to their new record “Beautiful Targets.” Hopewell, much like their West coast counterparts, The Shore, are American Brit-Pop at its finest. Cinematic in nature, and giving bands from England a run for their money, the ever-innovative Hopewell has released another classic Indie Rock opus.

The album starts off with “In Full Bloom” a slow, yet pretty song. It runs 3:10 before breaking right into “All Angels Road,” the album’s second track. This song rocks hard all the way through; as cinematic as it is heavy.

“Bethlehem” has that 1960s Brit-pop feel, sweet from beginning to end, and “Tree” has that Pearl-Jam-inspired arena pop-rock sound to it.

Throughout the album, the band shows they’re not afraid to experiment, throwing in random tidbits of keyboard, Theremin, and time-based guitar effects. Most bands can’t effectively integrate experimentation and hooks; Hope well isn’t one of those bands.

“Monolith” and “Echo and His Brother” are upbeat, cynical in nature, and cinematic all at the same time, referencing the movie “Big Fish” in the lyrics.

Hopewell - "To The Slaughter..."


Russo channels rock legend Mick Jagger in “Are You Anywhere,” and puts Radiohead to shame in ambient rocker, “Afterglow.” “To the slaughter…” the album’s closing track is by far the best. Fit to be in background of any movie, this ballad uses strings and fluttery guitar to take listeners on a journey into sound.

This album is a must buy for anyone into Radiohead and Brit-Pop.

Check out the video for “All Angels Road” below:



Like this band? You may also like: The Shore, The Verve, Oasis, Radiohead, Coldplay