White Room Label (label)
15 February 2016 (released)
24 February 2016
After a rough start in life with a traumatic childhood, Hookings picked up his first guitar at the age of 13 and began to write songs. The hobby soon became an emotional outlet and from this Hookings and Bonzai have created their debut album ‘Black & White To Gold’. It wasn’t easy for the duo as they suffered label and wider industry problems for 3 years. After all these label frustrations States Of Emotion have finally released this eclectic masterpiece that shows their past, present and after this release, their massive future.
‘I Broke The Mould’ is the perfect opener with a dark shadowing bass line juxtaposing with heavy guitar riffs. Hookings’ vocals are dripping with such passion and power that you can’t help but grit your teeth and nod your head in time with the bulbous beat. The track draws you in immediately so that you’re begging for more.
The sound changes drastically for next track ‘Lena’. The warmer vibes with matching upbeat drums and guitar licks, creates a indie pop sound with a melodic memorable chorus. Album title track ‘Black & White To Gold’ is the polar opposite with a moodier, feistier and tighter sound. Hookings controls the song with impressive vocals that you can only imagine will fill an arena of adoring fans soon enough. The violins add a sense of orchestra that locks perfectly with the rockier vibes, forming an original track that’s certainly worth the 3 years of label frustration.
‘Brooksy’s Box’ fully demonstrates Hookings’ lyrical talents as he discusses a childhood friend, Brooksy, that died of meningitis. When Brooksy passed his mother gave Hookings his guitar pedal, which he named ‘Brooksy’s Box’. The emotion and pain is dripping off of every lyric. The massive track is bulging with furious riffs and avid drumming, making the song a definite hit.
The piano and Hookings’ vocals steel your attention in the intro of ‘Back To Back’. The surprising more commercial sound works perfectly with the track as although simple, the song has an unforgettable chorus and melody.
The adventurous style continues into ‘Rag And Bone Man’ as the duo explore a more electronic style. Sauntering between Hookings’ gentle vocals and an electronic beat, creates a unique track demonstrating just how versatile States Of Emotion are. The track becomes slightly hypnotic as it brews and builds into a fantastic piece of art.
‘Black & White To Gold’ is a phenomenal debut album proving States Of Emotion aren’t a band to ignore. Although the duo may have undergone a tough start in the industry, they now have it in the palm of their hands.
