I was supposed to write about this album “Hope and Recreation” back in March, but every time I sat down to do it, nothing came out. Not because I didn’t like it, kind of the opposite. I’d hit play just to check one track and next thing I know it’s past midnight and I’m still there, looping the same songs again. Now it’s April, and I finally forced myself to sit down and start this in the morning (felt like the only way to break the cycle).
“Hold On” kicks things off and it does exactly what an opener should do. It has that balance where nothing is too heavy, nothing is too light and somehow it just sticks. The groove settles in fast and it’s one of those tracks that keeps playing in your head later. Eamonn McNamee (Frontman) really carries it with his good delivery. There’s confidence there but also control. He knows when to push and when to pull back.
Then “Propelled Along” shifts things a bit. Different mood and different energy. This is where I started realizing the band isn’t just staying in one lane. It’s not background music you throw on and forget. You actually notice the changes, the choices they’re making.
“If You’re Ready” comes in as track three and this one is built around the writing. The way the melody moves, the way the lines land. It just works. It’s easy to follow and I found myself going back to it more than I expected.
I’m skipping ahead to “I’m Moving On” because that’s the one that got me. This was the moment I had to pause, rewind, and play it again… and again. There’s something in it that took me back a bit, reminded me of stuff I used to have on repeat years ago. Not in a copy-paste way, just that same kind of pull.
“I Got Some Hope To Shout About” leans into that classic feel too and it’s one of those songs you just let run without overthinking it. It lands easily. Later on, “Here Comes The Love” slows things down. It starts soft, careful and leans more on the lyrics and emotions than anything else. No need for big moments here. It’s more about how it sits with you while it plays.
“So I Seek” ended the record in a really good way. You don’t even notice when it pulls you deeper into the album. And before you know it, you’re back at the start, letting the whole thing run again without even deciding to.
That’s really how this album worked for me. It kept looping. Driving around with it made even more sense, it just fits that space. I’m not overthinking it but this is a band I’m sticking with. This album stayed with me longer than I expected and I’m already waiting to see what they do next.
