The Hostages are a band that have had a solid fan base and reputation in Mid Wales for years, they are forbearers of the Mid Wales music scene, always packing out local venues and producing memorable shows.
A select few who have had the privilege of listening to the band progress over the last 5years knew these guys were special, but secretly they wanted to keep them all to themselves. These same people have seen the line-up change as the band have developed with each member past and present adding something unique to the overall result that we’re left with. The Hostages version 2.0 comprise of founder, singer and guitarist Tom Jones (TJ) and bass guitarist Jimmi Love and they have added drummer Dean Morgan and the vastly talented lead guitarist Matt Lodge to the line-up and they are, without doubt, about to break free from Mid Wales and hit the big time!
The band has always revolved around a catchy, grunge-laced, indie sound, with influences to their tracks clearly coming from greats such as Kings of Leon and Kasabian, the rock edge that emanates from several of their releases bares resemblances to the likes of Biffy Clyro and it comes as no surprise to me that The Beatles and John Lennon are regarded as influences because The Hostages’ song writing has always been at the forefront of their ability to turn a collection of good musicians into bearers of great songs! Their competence at performing that which they write is a rare skill not often found in ones still so young!
One of the bands earliest songs that has stood the test of time is You Should Really Know, it’s evolved over the years into the version that is found on their debut EP, Last Chance for The Hostages, but even alongside newer tracks such as Shoot My Heart it merely epitomises the “we want you to be part of this song” ethos that can be found right throughout the EP, and in the vast majority of The Hostages’ repertoire of songs to date.
It’s also been a joy to see the latest progression in TJ’s lyrical maturity which is emphasised on another new song, Rolling Circus. The boyish undertones have well and truly vanished, left now is a jagged indie maturity which is reflected by all in the band. In fact this song highlights several of the best parts of The Hostages version 2.0. An insanely catchy song, in truth played at times at an unusually fast tempo almost like early pop punk rockers Allister used to deliver, but The Hostages give pure grunge plain and simple, and on a personal note I can’t wait to hear this live!
A key part to their success is getting fans relating to their music, but there is something very special about their sound right about now. Most notable are stunningly good guitar riffs that blow the mind, without question up there with the greatest, a bass guitarist that doesn’t hide in the shadows but rather creates them by offering a massive presence on stage and drumming of the highest order from one of the most skilled drummers in the area. Collectively they form a captivating crescendo that gets you jigging along to their songs, even if you have never heard them before, or are hearing new material for the first time, there is something innately familiar about their sound, you feel like you’ve heard it before, you recognise it, you get drawn into the moment, you just have to dance, sing, cheer!!
With the enigmatic “Mr.Hostages” TJ at the helm, the band have polished their rugged edges, grown far tighter as a unit and now shine brightly as one single entity. They give an aura that captivates, produce a sound that is a joy to the ears and have the image to accompany this. They are at their best live, where they engage with whatever demographic stands before them. Right about now The Hostages have the world at their feet, their fan base is growing and baying for more, I’ve got a sneaky suspicion they are about to burst onto the national music scene and it’s not before time. It’s been a joy to see the band develop over the years, for such a hardworking bunch of fellas they have never lost touch with what it was that got the fans behind them.
The only downside to their impending explosion onto the UK music scene, the fans of Mid Wales, who see The Hostages as “theirs”, are about to lose their jewel. But in truth not a single one begrudges the band success. I for one have always been astounded by their dedication to play gigs, and to put on an energetic show, it’s the true stand-out quality that has pulled The Hostages into the limelight, and in my opinion this coupled with their ability, creativeness and togetherness gives this extremely talented quartet the foundations to build a stunningly successful music career. If they keep progressing at their current rate, there is no limit to where they will end-up.
They have come from Mid Wales and are here to entertain you, get ready to rock, as The Hostages are about to break free ....
Reviewed 11/11/2010 by Kev "Kevchenko" Martin
(official blogger for Live Music? Live Music!)
(official blogger for Live Music? Live Music!)
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