Hopes High EP

Truth:
Hopes High is a Pennsylvania alternative band with a smooth sound. The band consists of Steve Tippeconnic on drums, TJ Barnhart  playing bass, Keenan Hall  and Matt Mark on guitar, and Jesse Weidner singing and playing guitar. The band has recently released their four-song EP, “Move Stop Wait”, featuring the title track, which was previously streamed on YouTube for fans. Along with “Move Stop Wait” are “Answer”, “Bring It Back”, and “You Should Know”.


Sarah:
So the first thing I did this morning was log into iTunes and purchase all four songs. Why? Because they are good. Simple as that. Hopes High has this very smooth vibe, reminding me of All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls–not your typical boy band, but with twice the charm. The songs are not cutesy to the point of gagging, but their lyrics definitely have some “Aww” moments. Take “You Should Know” (my favorite): “You should know/that when you change your mind/I’m here.” The song involves Jesse crooning a girl, almost begging her to give him a chance. If you have ever seen a picture of Jesse, his adorable I’m-a-nerd-but-a-cool-one-like-Michael-Cera look makes the song almost heart-crushing because you can imagine his deep brown eyes petitioning your love. But it’s not just the band’s looks that sell me this album (though i must say, Steve…); they really seem to know how to package an album tailored to this generation of squealing girls. The album is perfect for the 2011 version of an 98Degres fan-girl (“Bring It Back”), or the All-American Rejects lover (“You Should Know) or even a closet-Top 40 station listener (“Answer” is reminiscent of Secondhand Serenade, yet has the “punk-rockness” of All Time Low).
Obviously, I love this EP. I love that it has this vibe of bands I used to listen to in high school. It’s the perfect reminder that good music does not need a record label or a Grammy. It just needs talented people and well-written lyrics…Though a Grammy would not be so bad.
Songs To Download: “Move Stop Wait”, “You Should Know”
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Watch a video for “You Should Know”