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The Hope Conspiracy

Endnote (2002)
Equal Vision Records

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Contributed by: Chris
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on September 27th 2002

Over the past few years I feel that The Hope Conspiracy have gotten screwed. Somehow, such an incredible band has been overlooked as a premier act by a slew of other bands, most obviously American Nightmare (Nothing, whatever) and Poison the Well. The group's first full length, 'Cold Blue' was in my eyes one of the best and innovative hardcore albums in years. So, 'Endnote' would carry some of the highest expectations I have held for a band's sophomore effort.

First, I would make some music geek observations that many don't care much about. Right off, the packaging is killer. The outer slip has an incredible design, along with some rather interesting liner notes inside the album.

As for as the albums content, I'm extremely pleased at what direction musically THC (no stupid pothead jokes please) has gone. What hit me immediately was the interesting production work on the vocals. The music seems to take center stage on many tracks with the vocals almost feeling like a back-up instrument.

Upon an initial listen, it would appear that many of the songs on 'Endnote' begin to sound alike. However, it seems apparently clear that this is an obvious sign of THC beginning to merge their own unique sound.

In a world such as the hardcore scene where many bands tend to bland together in sound content, and even fashion, The Hope Conspiracy rise above many of their peers. I wouldn't be surprised if with the buzz this album is sure to start, we don't eventually see THC as the next hardcore band with an MLB icon next to their name.

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LeightonESmith (October 17, 2010)

Fucking awesome album from a fucking awesome band
Also, the liner notes are fantastic.

NoSpace (July 20, 2008)

i got this the other day, and its good, but i think death knows your name is better

bytheslice (August 14, 2007)

A tough, brutal hardcore record. A lot more angry and violent than 99% of the supposed "punk" bands out there. Straight badass.

Anonymous (March 4, 2004)

for the guy three commnets below,
give your taking back sunday cd to your little sister, b/c it's not harcore. Endnote is awsome b/c it is raw as hell. these guys are crazy live too. buy this cd b/c you won't be disappointed...also if you want to dl some of their older stuff...dl the song "you've been warned." it will rip out your spleen and slap you in the face with it. later.

Anonymous (November 26, 2002)

To the guy two comments below:

You should be kicking yourself for picking INDK over this.

This is not only one of the best hardcore cds of the year, it's one of the best, period.

You know how record reviewers always say how records sound "urgent" but you never really know what they mean? Listen to this.

- BITTER

evilash (November 15, 2002)

definately a mediocre band with a pretty unmemorable release

Anonymous (October 2, 2002)

i almost bought this album.
then i changed my mind and bought an indk cd instead.
i think i'm done with this whole hardcore trend going on. now i'm not saying you guys are all just following the trend, it's just when there's more people involved, you're exposed more and start liking it. aside from dead poetic, taking back sunday, grade, thrice, and stretch armstrong, i'm done with hardcore. besides, i've been wanting to buy some classic bands on vinyl for some time, and now i'll have money for it.

Anonymous (September 30, 2002)

Good album. Bad review but what do I know. The reviewer is right though that this band is getting a little buzz right now. This album is killer and I love the 2nd and 4th tracks to death. THC rules!

Ramo

yellowtrash (September 29, 2002)

whoops. that was me just now.

Anonymous (September 29, 2002)

I got a two song preview from an Equal Vision promo. The vocals are sort of creepy in a way I didn't like. I have a different version of "Fallen" without the messed up vocals and personally I think it sounds better. Oh well, at least they released this on my birthday!

Anonymous (September 29, 2002)

I wanna know if i should by it or not idiot. Cause lyrics happen to matter to me just as much as music.

Anonymous (September 29, 2002)

The lyrics come with the cd. Don't be a cheap bitch.

Anonymous (September 29, 2002)

I wish I could get a hold of the lyrics. I mean this album is really rockin' my ass off, the song "Violent And Gray" is the most intense song I've heard in a long time. But I wanna know if what im dancing and lifting to is what I feel, so if someone could tell me where to find the lyrics that'd be swell. Great music. Later

Anonymous (September 28, 2002)

Admireable honesty. I just hope someone does get the song names out and go through each one.

sickboi (September 28, 2002)

Yeah, its a pretty bad review. I wrote it at work. So all negative criticism is accepted.

Anonymous (September 27, 2002)

Great albu, shitty review. How bout some song names, recommendations, and an all around more "in depth" look at the album, this could have been written by someone who hadn't even heard the album, I've heard only one song off of it and that song ruled.

Bryne (September 27, 2002)

Dude...he said THC!!! That's so cool brah, I'm a stoner too dude! Time to take another hit off the bong, brah!!

Oh wait...

Anonymous (September 27, 2002)

I don't like the vocal production, but other than that, it's a great album. It's much better than Cold Blue.