As if the album cover photograph wasn't enough of a hint towards what genre of music rests on the CD, Hawk Nelson is a pop-punk band. For comparative purposes, throw in two cups of fellow-Canadians Simple Plan with a spoonful of label-mates FM Static, a dash of Sugarcult, and a pinch of Lit (if you can still remember them). With a blend of playful ("California") and serious lyrics ("36 Days") crooned out through Jason Dunn's solid vocals, Letters to the President proves to be a well-executed, well-produced label debut. Also impressive is the variety of hooky anthems side-by-side with ballads and tongue-twisting fast punk songs. Whenever you purposely try to resist and then begin singing along to a chorus, it's time to give some respect. "Right Here" and "First Time" got me doing just that. Despite using a familiar and over-used style, Hawk Nelson does it right. If somebody has to take Simple Plan's place as pop-punk radio darlings, it should be these guys.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3.5/5, David 3/5
Similar sounding releases
2005AnberlinNever Take Friendship Personal
2004Simple PlanStill Not Getting Any...
2005The WeddingThe Wedding
2005Last TuesdayResolve
2004Paris TexasLike You Like An Arsonist
1996SkilletSkillet
