Hey Monday
Hold On Tight
(Decaydance Records)
By Cheryl Leong
Choice Cut : How You Love Me Now, Obvious, Candles, Hurricane Streets
Official website: http://www.heymondaymusic.com/
When Hey Monday first came out, odds are, you've written them off as a second-rate Paramore. I know I almost did. But Hey Monday - Cassadee Pope (frontwoman + lead vocals), Michael "Jersey" Moriarty (bass), Mike Gentile (guitar), Alex Lipshaw (guitar) and Elliot James (drums) sound nothing like Paramore. Their debut album, Hold On Tight, has a lighter sound and is full-on power-pop. It's just so peppy that resistance is futile.
Drumroll (literally), and we're off to a fast, catchy and positive start to the album with "Set Off" (rather apt, don't you think?). Chant to the "whoa-ohs" of "How You Love Me Now" until it breaks into the anthemic chorus. First single "Homecoming" is infectious (as you well know by now) and has a punchier rock edge. It's "ah-ah-obvious" that "Obvious" has all the soundtrack potential to the next teen flick. Such a feel-good, carefree number is one that only the young can write and sing about.
Pope croons tenderly astride the opening pianos of "Candles," and her vocals here should shoot down any detractors. Backing synthesized strings add an emotional dimension to this well-written and heartbreaking track. "Run, Don't Walk" returns to pop-rock terrain, with a bouncy mix of guitars and drums. High school party girls should be able to relate to the zippy "Josie," but don't worry, it's "just a phase you're going through."
"Hurricane Streets" has a cheerful bass and guitar combo, and Pope showcases her higher vocal reach here. Hard-hitting riffs punctuate "Arizona," and "Should've Tried Harder" has some really angsty lyrics. Slowing things down to a close, "6 Minutes" is a quiet, acoustic ballad, that of course again, allows Pope to fly free with her vocals.
With Hold On Tight, Hey Monday have managed to hit the rock/power-pop jackpot on their first try. Bright, sunny melodies + tight chemistry of the band + charismatic lead vocals (girlish yet powerful) = potent power-pop concoction. Not to mention the glossy production under Pete Wentz's Decaydance Records.
Sure they're young and inexperienced, hence, much of the lyrical quality would probably wear thin after a few plays. But they have the potential to grow into life, which is something we certainly hope they have to show for their next release. Meanwhile, just loosen up and have a little fun with pure, unabashed pop. Isn't that enough, sometimes?
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