Track Listing

1. Seconds
2. Blood Meridian
3. Sing It Out
4. Bonfires
5. Good Fight
6. Left
7. Industry
8. This Is A Question
9. Little Silver Birds
10. Four
11. January
12. Forwardirektion
13. Church Choir

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36753 in Music
• Released on: 2006-06-19
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
Hope of the States were, when they first appeared in 2003, a very serviceable idea. Post-millennial tension, post-rock crescendos and palatable anthemic twists that made them seem a post-Coldplay certainty, in better jackets. Debut album The Lost Riots was very nearly great, let down only by some superfluous ambition they didn’t quite have the muscle to realise and Sam Herlihy’s trying vocal. But with Left it’s surprising to find them addressing their previous weaknesses with such wilful gusto.

Limitations remain, not least the intended anarchism of Sam’s lyrics seeming more pub-stool than pulpit-reactionary (see "This Is A Question"), but his causes begin to find their bulls-eyes on "Industry" and "Forwardirektion". And that’s not to mention his inflating vocals holding court convincingly on the twinkling, sombre and eventually chest-beating "The Good Fight". Overall tracks are trimmer and more focussed without sacrificing the sure climb to the climax with a mystical staff that made them so engaging in the first place.

The spectre of Radiohead’s, and particularly Johnny Greenwood’s, influence hangs as heavy over this album as the last, especially on the cross-fire guitar of "Bonfires". And Sigur Ros’ producer Ken Thomas adds his expectedly fertile touch, providing their songs with the epic backdrop they need if they’re to succeed – just bathe in the cosmos of sound on "The Church Choir". Their debut left us asking whether to be on the cusp of greatness is any better than being an acre away from it. They just moved a step closer to that not being their concern. --James Berry

CD Description
The second album from Hope Of The States, 'Left' is the follow up to the 2004 debut 'The Lost Riots'. Whilst keeping their distinctive sound, their new direction brings a more accessible, song-based record. Produced by Ken Thomas (Terrorvision, Sigur Ros), 'Left' includes the single 'Sing It Out'.

Customer Reviews

The Lost Riots and then some.....
Simply magnificent.
Forget the much hyped "change of direction" - this has all of the grandeur of The Lost Riots and then some.
It's all here, commercial rock (Blood Meridian, Sing It Out, Bonfires)- sweeping epics (Left, Little Silver Birds, Church Choir) - searing political comment (Industry) and the most touching and beautiful ballad you will ever hear (January), if you don't get a tear in your eye listening to this mesmerising track then check your pulse, you are probably dead.

How do you follow a masterpiece such as "The Lost Riots"? - listen to "Left" and find out. 10/10

A Good Gamble
Once in a while there is a track that comes along & you think 'Wow!' and can't wait to buy it. 'Blood Meridian' did that for me but it has been so hard to get hold of I have had to wait ages for 'Left' to appear. I was not dissapointed. This is an excellent album with a lot of excellent tracks and well worth the money (only 4 stars because I save 5 stars for only a handful of albums).

I try to avoid comparisons but those unfamiliar with HOTS will probably want a reference point. Think Interpol covering Ash with the feel of pre 'OK Computer' Radiohead. But this album is more than that and is impossible to pigeon hole.

Take the plunge & give it a try.

Awesome
As other reviews elsewhere have stated, "Left" takes over from where "The Lost Riots" left off - minus the melodramatic, lengthy dramatics and orchestra (having said that, there is still a fair amount of strings, etc...)

"Left" is a leaner, meaner affair though, and each track is a killer. The tempo is generally fast paced, with 3-4 slower, sombre tracks. You'll find yourself loving each track for different reasons, as the album is fairly eclectic. Reminiscent of everyone from "OK Computer"-era Radiohead, Oasis, BRMC & The Editors. For me, this is the finest album of 2006. Buy it!