{House of Heroes}

The End is Not the End

House of Heroes has stepped off on a new foot with their release of The End is Not the End. Their former release, Serial Sleepers, didn’t do a whole lot to really impact the music industry, but this album is pretty good. The style House of Heroes puts forth in this album is quite different from their first, but yet it manages to keep the band’s identity.

Strengths

Strong and catchy rhythms are the single most improved feature of The End is Not the End for House of Heroes. I generally can get bored with some music very quickly, especially if it all sounds the same. But with this album, the style and direction of many songs change multiple times through the length of a single track. For example, “In the valley of the Dying Sun” starts out in a moderate tempo with a nice guitar background. Then it quickly changes to a melodic falsetto that adds so much complexity to the song — yet it remains simple. A tricky thing to do.

Other strengths include the diversity of the songs while maintaining an overall feel to the album. Two tracks after “In the Valley of the Dying Sun”, comes “By Your Side”, which is an acoustic and harmonious track with a more somber feel. It’s a nice change up after hearing electric guitars for the first five (really 4) tracks. I also love the intro these guys decided to add. It starts with strings that sets up the first track with such beauty that “If” drifts in and just takes its place so well. It makes the first song much more enjoyable.

Weaknesses

Most of the tracks on The End is Not the End are driven and strong. There are not a whole lot of tracks like “By Your Side” which was disappointing to me as I tend to favor that style.  Instrumental diversity is a factor of this album, but the guitar serves as a heavy (but rhythmic) leader through most of the tracks. A greater display of exposed vocal maturity and ability would add layers and depth to the album, but the lack of it does not detract from the rest of the album. It really depends who you are. House of Heroes has a tendency to sound similar to Weezer at some points and that’s what can get me a little bit. There is nothing wrong with sounds similar to another band, but it seems as though a great sense of “self” is needed as House of Heroes continues in their musical career.

Aesthetic Appeal

I love that House of Heroes decided to add styles of electronic and synthetic music to their songs. The strings also adds a layer of multi-fascetedness which keeps House of Heroes from sounding the same as everyone else. The style of the music is no an original take, however it does manage to put out some unique songs that keep the album alive and running. They did alright with instrumental diversity in this album, although I would love to see more.

Spirituality

Although I have not yet observed the depth of all the songs, I have noticed that the lyrics are well written and are not at all superficial. It’s hard to put a finger on how much of the lyrical content refers to God or his work, but the  songs certainly deal with the emotions and feelings God has given all of us. However I do appreciate the depth and love of “By Your Side”.  In my opinion the song refers to older brothers/friends/ or couple who are reflecting on their life expressing their love for one another. There are truly touching lyrics like, “And I’ll be by your side, on the other side”, and

And through the cloud of death we find our way back home,

And though I hold your hand all must go alone,

And when you see the face of our maker you don’t have to be ashamed

He knows the promises we made

This is my favorite song at the moment from them. It is so touching to follow the lyrics and realize what is taking place. :_(

Standout Tracks

“By Your Side”

“If”

In the Valley of the Dying Sun”