Hope by The Strumbellas

I love the first two albums by these guys. They are gritty and fully of heart. However, the record I own is the third release titled Hope. Let’s do just that.

Unlike the predecessors, this folk rock album has a lot of polish. It feels more tight and that leaves it with a cleanly spirit. I want that grittiness back. It’s also features more anthem tracks with repeated lyrics. Some great messages, just not my favorite delivery of them.

With all the negatives out of the way, it’s still not bad. I love the lead singers voice, the lean towards folk style instrumentals, and that beautiful cover art. I need to talk about these more because they have an attention grabber. Points to gryffindor for the floating whale.

With both pros and cons weighed, I’d consider it an average album. All artists have to grow and change. Doesn’t mean that growth is upwards.

Rating: 497/1000