SINGLE REVIEW: Hostile Array - "Bloom"
Hostile Array show off their groove-tastic songwriting chops with “Bloom”
Written by JD Walker
Very rarely does a band have absolutely everything working for them with no weak links. Hostile Array is one of those rare unicorn bands that seems to be on a trajectory for success and critical acclaim across the world - from songwriting to instrumentation, production to video quality, “Bloom” is one of those songs that’s just great from head to toe. It’s hard to believe that this band only has just under 24k monthly listeners on Spotify because of their sound and presentation would leave some internationally famous acts blushing with envy.
“Bloom” is great from top to bottom, so let’s start at the top: the song begins with a quiet, ambient chorus before kicking violently into the song. The tune has many flavors working for it, mixing aspects of alt-rock, post-hardcore, and even some electronica sprinkled on top. Vocalist Brendon Frey shows just how much of a powerhouse vocalist he is, especially in the main chorus where he unleashes belted high notes that still retain warmth and soul. Guitarists Garrison Frey and Hector Fernandez match the sound that the vocal Frey is going for with beautifully written rhythms and leads, with the rhythm section of Brody Barbour on bass and Fredy Menjivar holding down the backbeat with energy and fire.
No great song truly reaches its peak without a stellar music video, and that's part of what makes “Bloom” special - the video is without a doubt industry standard quality and depicts the band and the message of the song beautifully. The cinematic value of the video mixes in various shots of the band, both clear and filtered, while utilizing slow motion and backlit shots to create an added layer of ambiance that compliments the song. The band’s impeccable selection of instruments (including Balaguer Guitars, Ernie Ball Music Man, Fender, SJC Drums, and Meinl Cymbals) will have the gear nerds of the audience captivated while the flowery imagery of some of the shots leaves the viewer entranced and glued to the screen.
“Bloom” is a fantastic song and erases any shadow of a doubt as to whether or not Hostile Array means business - their latest offering clearly shows that they’re here to stay. The production quality of both the song and video is top notch and professional, and they know their way around a song when it comes to writing and composition. Hostile Array is a band to lookout for in the coming weeks, months and years, and it’s hard to believe that they’re just getting started.