Hint Hint will make you dance, but they'll also leave you with somewhat of an empty feeling. This is one of those bands who are definitely good, but lack a sound original enough to have carved their own little niche in your mind. I'm definitely thinking that Hint Hint will be able to do something really good in the future, that is, if they find a more original sound and/or find how to reach their highest potential. Also, I want to do the keyboardist girl, she's really really hot.
With bands like Hot Hot Heat getting big, it's no doubt you'd see a ton of bands that are similar get recognized. Such is the case with Hint Hint. This is their first release and I must say I am somewhat let down from all the hype this band has been getting. Although the record is alright, I was just expecting better. They have the dancy sound, but are a lot darker than most of the bands doing this sound. It's hard to tell you what I like and what I don't like about this record. It's one of those records where I just kind of say "Eh." all the way through. The first song, "Harry's Ass Is A Picnic", is without a doubt, my favorite song on this record. With some more work as a band together, they could be alot better. Right now though I am not feeling it as much as I thought I'd be.
Think of Ink and Dagger. Then think of Ink and Dagger without their great singer. Then mix in a bit of Adult and you'll have Hint-Hint.
The first song starts it off well, but it isn't really a sign of anything. The second song is anti-climatic, which would be fine if it weren't building up to anything, but it seems to build up and then let go. This anti-climaticism seems to be the theme of the EP, as well as monotony. I confuse songs because they can't seem to make different guitar riffs and organ sounds for each song. It's somewhat annoying. Despite this,
I listened to this album many times, and this stuff is decent. I mean, of all the crap out there these days, this is better than your average "scene" band, but they still have a lot of room to improve. I'd like to see this band grow to be something better. I see Hint-Hint as one of those bands that are outstanding in live performances but need to take their albums more seriously. Although they have good timing, which I'm finding is essential to a great band, I think they should play faster, or maybe they could change the breakdowns to something less chaotic.
This EP was hyped. I kept hearing about how I should listen to this band and how great they were, but this isn't what I expected. I was anticipating this EP as much as I was anticipating Dodger baseball this year, but they both seem to be disappointments thus far.
Hint-Hint is a band with potential. They have the ability (as seen in songs like Harry's Ass is a Picnic and Insect Psychology), but they need to harness that ability. This album should be a lot better than it is.
At least the Dodgers are a work-in-progress.