The urge to feel fourteen again has overcome me as I file through my CD’s to decide upon this week’s review. Bingo! Hellogoodbye’s newest release, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! has hit the nail directly on the head. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Hellogoodbye in concert on numerous occasions, and I’m always the oldest person there, aside from parents. I obviously am the minority in Hellogoodbye’s demographic but I’ll admit it! I’m a huge Hellogoodbye fan.
This fun-loving foursome is from Huntington Beach, CA, formed in 2002, fresh out of high school. Front man, Forrest Kline, is the master behind this indie, power-pop sensation. Their self-titled EP debuted in 2004 and didn’t really make a splash till the boys were featured in an MTV “Real World” promotional competition, where they not only won, but suddenly became the electro-Hanson of the 21 century. In August of 2006, their latest release, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! hit the stands.
What I loved and also hated about this album was that a large portion of the songs were previously unreleased tracks which the boys remixed. I already had the originals, so it wasn’t anything new for me, which was disappointing, though I did enjoy hearing the new renditions.
The all-new tracks were in no way disappointing. They were just as candy-coated and heartfelt as ever before. Forrest’s charming and dear voice also plucks a heart string of mine, especially in songs like “Oh, It Is Love.” This song is the most adorable musical assurance from Forrest to his girlfriend that he always thinks of her while on tour. Just Forrest and his banjo make this song unique to this predominantly electronic album; it’s refreshing and heartwarming
Other gushy tracks would be “Here (In Your Arms),” and “Two Weeks in Hawaii.” Every song is centered on love and being cute. If you’re a guy, I wouldn’t expect you to make it past track one, but if you’re a sweethearted girl, like myself, this pre-teen dream is irresistible.
The majority of this album is energetic and fun with stand out tracks like “Baby, It’s Fact,” “Touchdown Turnaround,” and “All of Your Love.” Hellogoobye has been said to have “enough energy to tire a group of 5-year-olds,” and it’s true! These fun-loving boys have capitalized on good, clean, fun. No cursing, no angst- just pop music. It’s the Postal Service on speed, Hanson sans the serious undertones and never-ending quest for respect, the younger brothers to Of Montreal; Hellogoobye is a youthful alternative to depressing love songs and a fantastic escape from reality.