Ferret (label)
29 September 2009 (released)
26 August 2009
That's where bands like LoveHateHero come in, eager to fill the shoes of their teenage idols. Since America Underwater is the LA foursome's third release they are already off to a flying start, despite only forming in 2004.
The album quickly demonstrates its upbeat-but-earie mood with opener Saints and Sinners, a sublime blend of old-style AFI with the guitar precision and harmonised choruses of Matchbook Romance.
Title track and first single America Underwater is more of a standard pop/punk offering, but ties the albums more extreme aspects together tidily. The more hardcore moments, such as the scream-tacular Echoes which ironically alludes to their earlier releases most of all, add colour to what may otherwise fall into the trap of being just another Warped Tour album.
The songs don't delve any more deeply than you would expect for an album of this type, but the lyrical choices suit the vocal style and the music well, though for some they may fail to break the mould of stereotypical American rock enough to stick in the mind. That said, it would be a shame to let this album pass by without giving it a chance, since the style may not be original but the execution is effective.
For a five-year-old band LoveHateHero impress, and America Underwater is their latest attempt to break out, you get the feeling they are still waiting for their 'All The Small Things' moment, but in the mean time sit back and enjoy the journey.