It’s clear that achieving a peak of sixth place within the UK rock chart in 2014 wasn’t enough for the talented trio Fort Hope. They have come far in the time since Courage was released in May last year and if their new self titled EP, Fort Hope is anything to go by; they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. All of the songs on the EP are explosive and all have their own special edge that makes them catchy and unique. There are a total of seven songs and they make for highly addictive listening.
The first song is titled ‘Crosses (And So we Dig)’, it is a tremendous song that starts just acoustic, alongside Jonathan Gaskin’s vocals until it then drops into drums played by Jamie Nicholls and bass guitar played by Simon Rowlands. All of these allow for building upon the foundations of a incredible song. Next up is ‘Sick’; it takes a different tone than the first track and the chorus will have you singing along in no time.
Halfway through the EP, we get to ‘Tears’ which starts much quicker; an up tempo beat right from the get-go. This song allows Gaskin to really show the potential of his vocals and portray a great deal of emotion. Moving into the fourth song, titled ‘Listen (I’ve Been Trying)’ it has certainly ‘got the edge’ as is mentioned within the chorus. This has to be one of the strongest songs on the EP and will be a favourite for the fans.
However, ‘Plans’ comes in quite heavy at the beginning with Rowlands' bass guitar and is a big contender for the best song on the EP. The song automatically engages the listener and it is more of a nod to their previous album’s songs such as ‘Control’. The trio definitely come together on this song in harmony and still manage to keep it melodic with the vocals. The penultimate track is an acoustic version of ‘Sick’. It’s a more intricate version of the song and is perfect to listen to when the listener wants to pay more attention to the lyrics or just listen to something that’s a little more stripped-down.
The album culminates with the bonus piano version of ‘Heart’. This song allows for a superb showcasing of the vocal power of Gaskin. It is a slowly paced song that has the album wrapping up expertly, and the piano taking the lead is just the ideal background for this song.
If this EP has you hooked, like it should, then its perfect timing with them touring the UK across February with two special guest bands Dead! and Black Foxxes. It is not going to be a tour that should be missed!
Fort Hope is released on February 8th by LAB records:
Signed physical release
iTunes
