Usually when I introduce someone to Hostage Calm‘s music, I describe their British-invasion-meets-2000s-punk sound as the “punk Beach Boys.” The extensive use of vocal harmonization and 1960s-style songwriting on 2012’s Please Remain Calm showed that the band was truly something special amongst the hundreds of pop-punk bands that sparked up that year. With Die On Stage, Hostage Calm take those influences to a whole new level. The latest single, “Fallen Angel,” sheds much of the punk sound for an insanely catchy pop jam, featuring the band’s signature social commentary lyrical style.

While they’ve turned down the distortion and created a bright, happy sounding record, Hostage Calm prove with “Fallen Angel” that they’re still the coolest band in punk rock. The sound is extremely divergent from Run For Cover Records’ usual, which is exactly what’s so great about it. The band has precisely tailored the message, sound, and ethics of their music, and it works wonders because they truly don’t give a damn if anyone takes an issue with it. That’s what makes Hostage Calm a punk band.

Check out “Fallen Angel” after the jump or over at Fuse where it’s been exclusively premiered, then head here to pre-order Die On Stage.

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John Bazley

John Bazley was raised in central New Jersey by the romantic aura of the Asbury Park beachfront, punk rock, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4. He is still trying to figure all of this stuff out.

In addition to UTG, John has contributed to Alternative Press and Full Frequency Media. Follow him on Twitter for pictures of his dog.

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