Hopelessly Devoted To You

Vol. 5 (Hopeless)
by Ewan Wadharmi

The day after I received this $5 sampler, I found it at the Goodwill for $2, no lie. It’s good that Hopeless sports bands of varying styles. After all, comps are to be exposed to the unfamiliar (although most of these groups were on Vol. 4). But it makes for a very inconsistent mix, especially since the styles aren’t grouped together. One Tree Hill fans will shed tears over sensitive pop from Melee and Amber Pacific 3. Stairwell‘s “Ancient Ruins” is a bit better, but still goes on the dessert plate. Common Rider dismisses their usual funk-rap-punk for a better Bad Religion flavored ska. Metal lovers can dig into cheese from Break The Silence or screamo from Avenged Sevenfold. Both of which make the lone Thrice cut actually appetizing. At least Atom & His Package leave a good taste at the end with his electro-goof-wave. Each year, it seems Hopeless includes fewer punk acts, which means they are less devoted to me, I don’t even know them anymore. We never talk anymore. I wouldn’t give two cents for this volume, lucky that Amazon is selling them for one.
(www.hopelessrecords.com)