This
debut album from California trio, I Hate
Kate, is chock full of pop-punk tunes
that have radio friendly hooks ideally
suited for commercial success and at
least six of the songs have the
potential to accomplish MTV airplay
capable of rivalling the likes of ‘Fall
Out Boy’ and ‘Panic At The Disco’.
However, whilst it is obvious to the
listener that this band has the ability
to write a catchy song, it is also
evident that the music on offer lacks
any real substance to create a lasting
impression. Although the sticky sweet
choruses and playful party inspired
tunes are instantly catchy they do
become a little monotonous and
irritating after 4 or 5 spins.
From a longer term perspective It’s the
less commercial songs on offer that are
more appealing, Inside Inside’ has a
darker more atmospheric sound that shows
a matured side to the band, ‘Major Tom
(Coming Home)’ offers much-needed bite
and, with ‘Its You’, the band have a
ballad big enough to prompt a surge in
lighter-waving from California to
Carlisle.
Given that I Hate Kate's style of
pop-punk appears to be very much in
vogue on the radio and with music
channels the release of Embrace The
Curse is obviously directed towards a
younger audience and whether the
band have the crossover appeal to
anyone the wrong side of twenty-two is
open to debate. Having said that no
doubt it will go on to be a huge
commercial success.
