Hello Hurricane

Hello Hurricane

Switchfoot has long been both iconic and underrated in the Alternative music scene. From their positive lyrics calling for change in the world, invoking hope, or pleading for authenticity to their anti-materialistic mantra, they have never been your typical band out to “make a buck” off catchy hooks. But lead singer Jon Foreman says, “I have had moments in my life where I’ve been naïve enough to think I’m going to change the world. And it’s a really incredible feeling, the day you discover that’s never going to be the case”1.

When it came to writing the new record, the guys had to step back and de-construct themselves and re-define what it meant to be in Switchfoot, what they were really after in life and music; they began to re-invent themselves. “It was time to step back and re-evaluate why we play music, why we’re still a band1.”

Hello Hurricane, written after spending time in Louisiana with survivors of Hurricane Katrina, is a kind of parade of pain, life’s hurts and struggles, punctuated with hope in true Switchfoot fashion. Their musical style has changed a bit too. While sonically un-mistakable, they’ve found a way to become fresh and new; most likely thanks in part to their new found independence.

Their “rockier” songs rock harder, sometimes evoking a more eclectic flair, à la Jack White, while their calmer tunes seem to showcase Foreman’s musical and lyrical poetry. Hello Hurricane boasts anthems that Switchfoot has come to be known for such as the defiant title track, and “Free”. Sweeter, smoother songs remain more poignant like the heartfelt “Enough to Let Me Go” and “Always”. And then there are songs that possess something of the true spirit of Rock and Roll such as “Mess of Me”, “The Sound” and “Bullet Soul”.

To be quite honest, it took me several listens, straight through, to really decide whether I actually liked this album, but when all was said and done I was won over. Truly they have topped themselves again. I love Hello Hurricane because it re-affirms what I already know to be true of Switchfoot. They write songs because it’s what they love to do. They bare their souls and write about Life and Love and Why; then distribute it to millions of listeners hoping that something resonates throughout their audience. It’s honest, it’s heartfelt, it’s Hello Hurricane.

d.b

1Relevant Magazine Nov/Dec 09