Hostile Little Face
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Hostile Little Face

South Perth, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE

South Perth, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE
Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Sparkling pop-rock ballads like Return To Sender could have these guys breaking mainstream audiences"

EXCERPT ONLY: "Sparkling pop-rock ballads like Return To Sender could have these guys breaking mainstream audiences and opening for Paramore or 3 Doors Down in no time." - Rave Magazine


"Hostile Little Face has constructed a debut album that rises to the height of all expectations and delves low enough to draw on your deepest emotions."

Architects are people who design beautiful buildings. Fuelled by their imaginations and emotions, they capture people’s attention and their designs often stand the test of time. Such a feat of creativity requires focus, determination and has to be as flawless as possible. So to title your debut album, ‘The Architect’ seems rather ambitious, however it also shows confidence; for local Perth alternative rock outfit HOSTILE LITTLE FACE this ambitious confidence has certainly paid off.

‘The Architect’ opens with the intro ‘Deus Ex Machina’, which like most intros, feels like a waste of time. The crashing symbols and crisp guitar introduce the musical style, but fail to grab your attention enough to warrant multiple listens. Solid kicks of the bass drum introduce ‘Superhero’ as the first song off the album which is quickly joined by guitar and bass that climbs frantically from high to low. Soft vocals soon enter and intensify as lead singer Mitchell Freind declares “I am not a superhero” which results in the catchiest lyric off the track.

‘Without You’ is the next track off the album and is where it starts to become apparent that this album just may be a diamond in the rough. Catchy, well-written lyrics and hook laden verses make them even catchier than the chorus itself. The lyrics are wrapped in infectious musicianship, angelic guitar picking and tempo shifts, which all help to make this song irresistible.

The lead single track, ‘The Architect’ steps up to the plate next and combines everything good about the first two tracks, plus more. Bass driven verses and sways of country-esque guitar float through the speakers and lead into the albums first memorable chorus. The lyrics in the verses and pre-chorus are all intelligently crafted, but the chorus “I’m crazy about you, but I’m not crazy” is the cleverest of all. The music seems minimal, yet heart-felt and vocal overlays in the bridge add a very emotional dynamic to this song.

Over the course of the next few songs a number of further styles and influences can be heard. It becomes clear that bands such as Incubus and Jimmy Eat World have influenced the way Hostile Little Face go about their business. ‘Chain Reaction’ churns things up a bit with punk influenced guitar and upbeat drumming, whilst ‘Steady My Arm’ begins with a guitar riff that sounds as though it has been pulled straight from the 90’s. The next few songs bring the album down to a chilled out section that uses plenty of acoustic guitar and soft, warm vocals. The track that rebuilds this album out of its softer side is ‘This Perfect Sin’ and although not necessarily more upbeat, it’s perhaps the best song on the album. Beautiful vocal harmonies and melodies cast over catchy, driven acoustic guitar makes ‘This Perfect Sin’ reside with the listener for some time after the first listen. Electric guitar echoes over the top of the music before fading which helps to emphasises the vocals delivering the thought provoking final lyric “…Religion what a flaw of modern man”. These intelligently written lyrics offer the listener a chance to delve further into what Hostile Little face is really trying to ignite.

‘Wait’ closes out the album with calculated guitar plucking, acoustic strumming and hints of piano to soften the mood. The song quickly gains some uplifting momentum and striking boldness from the deliverance of the lyrics “so let me go” over atmospheric music that sounds like fading off into a distant starry night.

Hostile Little Face has constructed a debut album that rises to the height of all expectations and delves low enough to draw on your deepest emotions. With a similar alternative rock sound influenced by the likes of Incubus, Hostile Little Face demonstrates that they know their cards and plays them well. HLF have indeed designed a record with enough character and heart to stand the inevitable test of time, but the challenge part now is to get the rest of Australia to marvel at their feat! - Spaceship News (14 November 2011)


"Their inherent and familiar tracks will have you reminiscing of lost youth"

Spinning into our office recently was an EP made for fans of the rock ballad. The question on my lips was “where has ‘Hostile Little Face’ been hiding!” Mitch Friend (vocals/guitar), Chris Marchegiani (vocals/guitar), Stephen Marchegiani (bass) & Michael Kirou (drums) are a rising Perth band with a passionate, catchy blend of Alternative/Rock. Emerging in 2008 as regulars around the Perth music scene, the launch of Blueprint in 2010 showcased their sound to a larger audience. Set to bring their beautifully constructed tunes to the East coast of Australia in June of this year, their inherent and familiar tracks will have you reminiscing of lost youth. ‘Rydal’s Fire’ is a composite of echoing electric riffs, heavy drums and impressive vocals. Illustrating lyrical depth and musical brilliance, it’s a song that is driven by loneliness and confusion. And being on the heavier side of the traditional rock ballad, it also promises to be a successful single, whilst conjuring “emo-punk bands” without an overly straightened hairdo in sight! ‘Vampires’ moving acoustic guitar is a lullaby of lament over a lover’s death that will have you wallowing in loss. Not the craze of the vampire that is saturating our senses for blood lust, but the kind of vampiric loss of watching the one you love die. The EP is not a daring emergence onto the Australian music scene, but there is potential in spades – for lovers of angst and youthful confusion delivered in a punk popsicle. BY DANIELLE LLOYD

Tsunami Mag, Issue: 24th of February 2011 - Tsunami Mag (24th of February 2011)


"Hostile Little Face deliver a formidable debut"

EXCERPT ONLY: "...Hostile Little Face deliver a formidable debut... The songs are spot on at both extremes; "Chain Reaction" is infectious and upbeat pop-rockers most like Jimmy Eat World, except Mitch Freind's versatile vocals are all his own, while "All Away" and "Deus Ex Machine" are packed with energy and hooks. Pared back, Freind's delivery is pleasantly sensitive and folky, reminiscent of even Darren Hanlon on the wonderful "27 Verses". A very promising set." (4/5 stars) - Blunt (Iss# 105) - Blunt Magazine (iss 105)


"Personal and catchy lyrics throughout the album are what really separate The Architect from similar releases and will see listeners revisit this album on multiple occasions."

EXCERPT ONLY: Musically this band has it sorted. The Architect shows that Hostile Little Face knows what they like and can do it well, and they've mastered the art of fast energetic songs as well as slower ballads... personal and catchy lyrics throughout the album are what really separate The Architect from similar releases and will see listeners revisit this album on multiple occasions. - Drum Media 06.10.11


"Their debut EP release contains spontaneous moments of musical brilliance and lyrical geniusness that well deserves major attention."

It is truly surprising that Perth four-piece Hostile Little Face has managed to hide themselves under the industry’s radar for this amount of time. Their debut EP release contains spontaneous moments of musical brilliance and lyrical geniusness that well deserves major attention. Blueprint is ideal for fans of the type of rock ballads that were introduced to us by bands like Three Days Grace and Three Doors Down.

The opening track Rydal’s Fire sees a slightly heavier side to the traditional rock ballad, but still maintains the conventions of a successful single. Although the track may be crammed with catchy, singable lines, it also contains the element of lyrical depth that encompasses the loneliness and confusion of the author. This particular track is similar to the musical style of “emo-punk” bands like 30 Seconds to Mars and My Chemical Romance but without the flamboyant screaming and ridiculously straightened hairdos.

Return To Sender, the following track on the EP, sees Hostile Little Face access a much more acoustic and intimate sound, which showcases the vocals and electric guitar skills of Mitch Friend whilst being accompanied by the rest of the group as well as a small stringed section that bestows a deep, warm ambience throughout the track.

Within this day and age, the word ‘vampires’ would either make people scream in delight or cringe in pain, and although the fourth track on Blueprint is named after vampires, there is absolutely no cringing involved. Instead of being icy-cold and evil, this song seems to be the polar opposite, opting for a warm acoustic guitar and soft male harmonies to create the atmosphere of an endless love ballad.

Blueprint is an excellent example of how a debut EP should be made. Every track highlights their skills when writing a true rock ballad and their execution is simply sublime. Hostile Little Face are sure to be heard increasingly in recent times and if their debut is anything to refer to, this group has limitless potential to attain. - TheDwarf.com.au


"Each tune has an element of familiarity yet the distinct blend of instrumentation and passionate vocals differs in each song and makes it virtually impossible to classify these guys within the rock genre."

It is difficult to believe each of the five tracks contained on the EP by Hostile Little Face are original tunes created by the Perth four-piece alternative-rock band. Each tune has an element of familiarity yet the distinct blend of instrumentation and passionate vocals differs in each song and makes it virtually impossible to classify these guys within the rock genre.

Rydal’s Fire begins with echoing electric riffs which are quickly replaced by the heavy underscore of Mike Kirou’s drums. Mitch Freind’s ownership of his honest and confronting lyrics and varied vocals throughout this track will leave rock fans impressed and curious for more.

Return to Sender is a complete contrast to the upbeat, bass-beating sounds of the first track. The soft, mellow sounds of the electric guitar combined with the restful beat of the drums makes for a unique, calm ballad. The intimate vocals make you want to hear this beautiful, delicate track over and over again.

The catchy guitar introduction to Lights Off sounds like the beginning of an American high-school comedy. The irregular, snappy drumbeat coupled with echoic electric guitar adds originality to what might otherwise have been a generic rock song. Of particular interest in the song are the lyrics “Embrace the devil’s touch as he breathes down my spine, he is my burning mind” sung softly, like a confession.

Too good to be added to the soundtrack for any of the Twilight films, the quick rhythm of the acoustic guitar is the stand-out in the lullaby Vampires. The song of a lover lamenting his partner’s death, Vampires’ composure is cunningly creative. The song’s gentle, sad lyrics are accompanied perfectly by the plaintive strains of what sounds like a violin, though none of the band members are listed as playing the instrument. Freind’s voice is charming and unpretentious. The genuine delivery of the song’s imaginative lyrics make this song a highlight and refreshing change within the EP.

One can’t help but immediately think of vocalist and bass player for The Presidents of the USA, Chris Ballew, as Freind introduces the explosively rocky tune, Reveal 2. This catchy, exciting track is a mixture of harsh, upbeat drum solos, sharp electric riffs and loud vocals. It is a perfect tune for the Soundwave festival kid or alternative-rock fan. - www.fasterlouder.com.au


Discography

Blueprint (EP) (2010)
The Architect (LP) (2011)

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Bio

Reviewers have called Perth’s Alt. Rock 4-piece “Hostile Little Face” unique, intimate, beautiful, sublime, passionate, sparkling, and delicate, with spontaneous moments of musical brilliance and lyrical genius. That’s pretty darn nice of them! Following their 2010 debut EP ‘Blueprint’, 2011 saw the release of the band’s first full-length studio album 'The Architect'. Blunt magazine calls it “a formidable debut…packed with energy and hooks”, and Drum Media says “They've mastered the art of fast energetic songs as well as slower ballads... personal and catchy lyrics throughout the album are what really separate The Architect from similar releases”. Twelve tracks of finely tuned Alternative Rock bound to provoke feeling and thought for both existing fans and new comers alike. Following in the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, Death Cab for Cutie, Bodyjar and more, Hostile Little Face are fighting unrelentingly to have their music heard and are quickly growing a fan base of people that want to hear it.