Album Review: Hellogoodbye - Would It Kill You?

Five years from the release of their first full-length ('Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!' and Huntington Beach, California's Hellogoodbye are a different band. After a slight line-up change and a somewhat complicated departure from Drive-Thru Records, 'Would It Kill You?' sees Hellogoodbye being more mature but keeping bright, pop sensibilities that made them who they were last time round.

However gone are the (somewhat) cheesy synths and electro-pop approach, and instead a light, feel good direction is used and from the opening moments of 'Finding Something To Do', you quickly understand that Hellogoodbye are re-freshed and are in someways a different band.

Throughout Forrest Kline's vocals sound sincere and moments like 'Getting Old' and 'Betrayed By Bones' are both glorious and sweet, with the latter making good use of bright, brass instrumentation. Whereas 'The Thoughts That Give Me The Creeps' sees the bands slightly folk-y side come into play.

In addition lead off single, 'When We First Met' is charming and easy going. Its one of those tracks where you can't help but smile, as the bands style is radiant.

Towards the later stages, 'Coppertone' draws you in with its strings and overall motown-like approach. The use of orchestral strings is one that appears frequently and adds depths to the bands indie pop. Whilst lyrically the band and Kline especially, have honed the lovable pop song (see 'Something You Misplaced') and brilliantly blended it with sensibility.

For close-minded old fans, this may disappoint as you won't find 'Here (In Your Arms)' part two here. Instead 'Would it Kill You?' is a collection, well-crafted indie pop songs that is uplifting and is worth giving a chance.

3.5/5

'Would It Kill You?' by Hellogoodbye is available now on LAB Records(UK)/Wasted Summer (US).

Official Website
Hellogoodbye on MySpace, Twitter, Facebook.

Sean Reid