Single/Video Review: Hostage

It has been a year since States released their last single, Relentless, but they were caught up in the COVID lockdowns and even though they recorded drum tracks at the end of 2020 they were unable to complete the songs. However, they are in the studio right now with Zorran Mendonsa (Devilskin, Coridian, City of Souls, Blacklistt) and hopefully they will be releasing material throughout the rest of the year as if this is anything to go by then we are on for a treat. This is old school rap rock combined with some nu-metal sounds which is commercial, retro, modern and hard-hitting, all at once. While band such as Limp Bizkit, Rage Against The Machine and Linkin Park are obvious influences, one can also hear elements of fellow NZ acts (Coridian} and Written By Wolves in particular.

The song may be just less than five minutes long, but the quintet has packed in a great deal, with multiple sections so the ears never know what is going to happen next. For a twin-axe act the guitars are somewhat muted, as the rhythm section has been brought far more to the fore than one might expect. The reason for this is that while Reuben and Nick keep the riffs coming with intertwined guitars which often follow their own paths before combining, it is the bass of Rob and drums of Chris which provide most of the dramatic changes which are taking place. Chris never seems to settle in any particular pattern, switching styles throughout, while Rob provides a filthy bass which has a tone reminiscent of Chris Squire, again changing his approach throughout. Then at the front there is Scott who can sing clearly and cleanly when the time is right, while at others he is happiest providing a rock rap which fits in perfectly with the music. 

The video was recorded in their rehearsal space (wow, what a room!), with a really strong message at the beginning where it states how many people are in the world, how many mobile devices there are, and how humans have never been more alone. This artificial reality and removal from the physical is a recurring theme throughout the video which is highly polished with Scott shouting at guys wearing AR headsets, or trying to get them involved when they are looking at their phones instead of playing.

Polished, powerful, welcome back guys. They are playing Auckland’s Dead Witch on June 24^th and that will be a gig not to miss.