The Hourly Radio--History Will Never Have A Hold On Me

To put it simply, The Hourly Radio is a curmudgeon that requires many hours to figure out, but less than one to enjoy. Providing a kaleidoscope of rock talent, the quartet from Dallas range from softly shoegazing to pure rock to dance-backed tunes, all the while keeping things enjoyable, melodic, and consistent.

Playing in a style similar to Dirty on Purpose and Aloha, The Hourly Radio kicks off their debut album "History Will Never Hold Me" with a softly slow-moving instrumental track "Travelsigns." The band’s previous single-release "Crime Does Pay" is included as well, a dance-backed and fast-paced spiral of a song that is perfected by vocalist Aaron Closson’s hauntingly melodic voice. More emotion is found in songs like "He Said/She Said," "Please Forget," and "Deaf Ears" that again are more vocal and lyrical based than instrumental ("Your fears fall on deaf ears tonight my love"). The most powerful song on the record is by far "Fear of Standing Upright," a paranoid tune with a vast sound that comes off as a hauntingly sheikier version of "Paralyzed" by Rock Kills Kid.

The Hourly Radio play in a subtlety pleasing style that sounds impressive, but doesn’t get stuck in my head. For one reason or another, the band’s songs don’t come off as catchy, despite their talent. Nonetheless, "History Will Never Hold Me" is an impressive beginning for the Dallas group, and displays both a variety of influences and styles, as well as an ability to keep those influences together in a way that are sure to make The Hourly Radio very interesting in the future.