Mixtapes
Hope is for People
Animal Style (2011)
RIYL: Lemuria, Measure [SA], The Ergs!
Score: 10/10
Cincinnati, Ohio’s Mixtapes have amassed an impressive catalogue in the nearly two years they’ve been together. At this point, they’ve released over two dozen songs and there’s not a dud to be found amongst them. Their strengths for catchy songwriting and perfect vocal harmonies are proudly displayed on their latest EP, Hope is for People, which is lighthearted at times, but also honest and poignant, especially when talking about how easy it is to settle into mediocrity.
The album kicks off strong with Taking a Year Off, a fast punk song about music as a cure for boredom. Co-vocalists Ryan Rockwell and Maura Weaver sound perfect blended together and it features great guitar and bass solos that never overpower the breeziness of the song. Excellent guitar work is also showcased in the solo that kicks off Weaver-led The New Ride the Lightning. While not quite at the level of Kirk Hammett, it’s still mightily impressive. Rockwell takes lead on Where I Live, a fast-paced tale of “stupid nights and bad ideas,” complete with a refrain of “whoa-oh-oh”s and great harmony with Weaver that are bound to have you humming along. You’d Better Bring More Dudes perfectly blends a somber, acoustic intro with a pop-punk ending, a refrain of “la la la”s anchoring the song that again looks into the power of song and lyrics.
Without a doubt, the standout on Hope is for People is the title track. It embodies the spirit of the band’s overall message of being courageous enough to follow your dreams, showcased on the communal gang vocal chant of “We might fail. We might sink. We might die, but I think that’s the point. So, so what. If we try it’s good enough. We get scared. So we stay. We’re so comfortable in the saddest way.” Musically, it’s the bands best use of the acoustic-to-electric formula, the intro gives way to a memorable, mid-tempo beat that will have you clapping right along by song’s end. I’ve probably listened to the song 100 times since the album’s release and haven’t come close to getting tired of it. If you haven’t seen it yet, the band released an absurdly awesome music video for this song which prominently features donuts, balloons, and bikinis.
Hope is for People is a quick listen, clocking in at just under 10 minutes. But as with most Mixtapes’ releases, quality outranks quantity here and the album’s music and message is bound to stick with you long after it ends. Hope is for People is out now from Animal Style Records, and can be streamed in its entirety on their bandcamp page.
-Emily Matview
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