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Fifth Hour Hero

Scattered Sentences (2003)
No Idea Records

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Contributed by: Adam
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Published on November 4th 2003

Fifth Hour Hero was on the fringe of my list of bands to follow up on for a good while now. One exhilarating live performance later and I'm well on my way to becoming a fanatic. This band has a very genuine enthusiasm that’s both refreshing and endearing.

Fifth Hour Hero is a Quebec City based four-piece that’s made a number of releases on regional indies and after extensive touring has hooked up with Florida’s No Idea Records. Their music can be described in terms of the Gainesville melodic-hardcore sound through a different cultural lens, with duelling male/female vocals that call to mind Rainer Maria. I've read reviews that make comparisons between Fifth Hour Hero and the sadly defunct Discount and they're certainly well founded.

While the rhythm section of the band has shifted in the past few years, the core of Olivier Maguire and Geneviève Tremblay remains intact. There is indeed a sense of history here, as the band seems quite tight and comfortable with their sound. Much like the early Hot Water Music records, Scattered Sentences has an engaging layered guitar sound that’s busy without being needlessly dense and muddy. Tracks like the standout "Cut Me Dead" as well as "Dancing On Your Knees," "At The Borders," and "Goodbye All Regrets" are all great examples of the band's range and skill.

There's a political bent to many of the lyrics on Scattered Sentences but the band is literate enough to write with subtlety and cleverness. The media critique “Right Hand Armed” is a good example of how Fifth Hour Hero avoids the trap other punk bands fall into by over-simplifying their subject matter. Their approach to their topics isn’t one of anger or blind rage, rather a sense of alienation and awareness. In this respect they fit in rather well thematically with many of their new labelmates.

This is an honest, literate punk rock record and one of this year's finest. Do yourself a favour and catch Fifth Hour Hero's live show, as these songs sound all the more passionate and fun in a live setting.

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Anonymous (December 31, 2004)

You know, I really really hate that kind of music, but this band really suprised me. I recomend it. But, guy way down below me was right. You do need to listen to it a few times to get into it.

-bagunsa

YourBloodyValentine (November 7, 2003)

I love No Idea. Seemingly, my entire wardrobe consists of No Idea bands. I'm an avid supporter of everything No Idea. However, I have a difficult time enjoying this band. In addition, they remind me of a local semi-popular pop-punk band people around here eat-up. That's not a good thing.

--John

notfeelingcreative (November 6, 2003)

"Yo yo yo dis shit is whack! Up da punx!" DUe, your mommy needs to start limiting your online time!

Anonymous (November 6, 2003)

This album isn't as good at the Collected In Comfort EP or the split with Gunmoll but it is VERY good. Fifth Hour Hero is an awesome live band also. Look for the new 7" to comes out very soon! And yeah, Geneviève is quite good looking!

shindo (November 6, 2003)

Not this year, I dont think last year either (that was the Slackers if I remember correctly). Against Me played here this year with FHH.

-adam

dont_think_twice (November 5, 2003)

did rise against play in guelph on halloween?

Anonymous (November 5, 2003)

who is this wack band? and why is there a wack review up about them ? This website is getting more wack every day. up the punxxxx.

notfeelingcreative (November 5, 2003)

Oh yeah, and your right, Genevieve is adorable! Too bad I'd never have a chance with her!

notfeelingcreative (November 5, 2003)

Yeah, the Discount comparison is pretty fair. We need FHH seeing as how Allison's new band the Kills sound like Janis Joplin on one of her too much southern comfort nights!