HOOBASTANK – FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Hoobastank – Fight or Flight
Review by Lauren Ewing 

After seemingly falling off the grid, Hoobastank is back with their first independent release, Fight or Flight. The album provides fans with a new, mature all rock sound. A far cry from the band’s most notable soft rock/pop single, “The Reason”.

The album opens on a strong note. “This Is Gonna Hurt”, released as Fight or Flight’s first single, proves a heavier, driving sound, capturing the listener’s attention right off the bat. Equally heavy lyrics are supplied, Robb repeatedly belting “this is going to hurt you more than it hurts me” in the chorus.

We change pace with “Slow Down”. Slightly more reminiscent of their earlier work, the emotional lyrics are accompanied by slower, melodic guitar. Appropriate given the subject matter of the lyrics. We are treated with a pick up in tempo towards the end of the song.

Stand out track “Magnolia” demonstrates how much the band has matured musically, falling away from their typical tricks. The song opens with a soothing guitar, accompanied only by vocals. We move into a quicker tempo as the song explodes into the chorus.

Fight or Flight should be a satisfying release for the fans. Hoobstank might have stepped out of the public eye, but they have made a solid return, evident by the mature nature of this newest collection of songs.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Website: hoobastank.com