Ghoti Hook really impressed me when they released their first album, and even had some highlights on their second disc. Then along comes their third release, Songs We Didn't Write. An album full of cover tunes, and void of all musical value. After that, I had pretty much given up on the thought that Ghoti Hook would make any more good music. Then, a glimmer of hope shined when I heard a song called 'Lullaby' from the band's new album, Two Years to Never. I thought, "Could it be? Ghoti Hook making enjoyable music again?" Nope. Sorry. I lose. This album only serves to disappoint.
Two Years to Never blends a few different styles to create Ghoti Hook's new sound. The problem is that the two most predominant styles on the album are punk rock and 80's metal. Ouch. While this album does succeed in venturing outside the punk realm (i.e. not every song is 2 minutes long) the writing needs a lot of work. It's often difficult for a band to change their style significantly and still write quality songs. Maybe Ghoti Hook needs more time to find their niche.
This album has taken a more serious tone than the previous albums, which is fine, but it seems Ghoti Hook's forte is making people laugh. The lyrics on the album are straightforward and honest, but don't provide much depth or strike me as very poetic.
The highlights on this album come when the band breaks out the piano. 'Lullaby,' the band's first single, starts with a beautiful piano intro and builds into a smooth rocker. 'Next to Me' creates a similar effect with a more mellow feel.
I really wish I could give this CD a good review. I support them, and I am a big fan of their older stuff, but there is a lack of anything special on this CD.
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Earl CampbellDon't come around here looking for Conrad, whining about "what once was." You will get no sympathy – not a scratch on the back, not a gentle whisper, or even a foolish smile. As much as I love Conrad, this circa 1950 meets 2000 incarnation of what was once the clown prince of punk rock, this collection of boys becoming men, this crue of toothpicked warblers, this James Dean heart-sleeve, this…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by Aaron J. YoungEvery now and then, a band comes along that goes beyond the overused, cookie-cutter-fit-in-the-niche style that so many other artists latch on to and completely upgrades a genre that has become stale. When this happens, I get a sense of happiness and relief in knowing that, yes, musicians these days are still working hard to advance music beyond the established sound and discover how much more…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianHands down this is the best album Ghoti Hook has put out. I have been listening to this band for at least 6 years now and their music style has seemed to be growing with my musical tastes. What you have here is a mature Ghoti Hook. The hyper beat drums are gone, and fast punk rock guitars are still here on some songs, but overall what you have is an amazing ROCK album. The opening track, "One…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ConradThis album is one of the best releases of the year. Ghoti Hook has changed their sound some, and for the better. When I was in the band it was punk rock. Now Ghoti Hook is Rock-Rock - real rock with pentatonic scales and everything. With the addition of Mark Lacasse on guitar taking over some of the songwriting responsibilities that I left behind, Ghoti Hook has added musical integrity that…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestGhoti Hook hasn't been sitting idle since Banana Man, their second album. As you may know they released a record filled with covers called Songs We Didn't Write. Along the way their sound developed. I remember a review of Banana Man in a Dutch magazine in which the reviewer tore the album to pieces and literally threw it out of the window (at least he wrote so). Two Years To Never is a different…Similar sounding releases
2005The StivsSweet Heartache and the Satisfaction
2002Alkaline Trio / Hot Water MusicSplit
2001Sum 41All Killer No Filler
2001The AtarisEnd Is Forever
2002The Reunion ShowKill Your Television
1999HangnailHangnail
