Some bands spend their entire lifespan searching for that special formula that they can call their own and sets them apart from every other band. Hellbranch Run, with only one CD has accomplished just this. April 13th, 2012 they celebrated the release of their new CD Us Against The World at the famed Columbus, Ohio venue known as the Newport Music Hall. Having opened for several national acts including Icon for Hire, Mayday, and July For Kings, it’s finally time for Aaron Whitlock, Brandon Tuggle, Zach Russell, Chad Russell to take center stage.
Us Against The World, in my opinion, plays like one of their live concerts. I can see the arena going dark and the first song “Prelude” blasting through the darkened venue as the crowd anticipates the grand entrance on stage. Once they hit the stage and the crowd goes crazy, they break into their first single off the album “Never Again”, a catchy guitar heavy tune with catchy melodies and lyrics that will stick in your head with one listen. “If You Pray” lends itself to the positive side giving listeners going through tough times ‘strength to carry on…’ One thing I noticed about this whole album is the incredible guitar work both in terms of solo and rhythm, helping to create the huge sound that is Hellbranch Run.
“Good Day To Be Alive” is definitely a solid rock anthem. This one will surely have the crowds raising their hands high and singing right along. “The Uprising,” another instrumental leading into the next chapter of Us Against The World leads us to a much softer side of the band with “Stay The Night” and “When It Rains.” Although it may be a softer side of the band there is no lack of excitement in the music.
“Declaration” is yet another prelude to the final chapter of the album leading into the mockingly “Fight Like a Man” and the album’s title track “Us Against The World.” All in all, this is a great rock CD filled with positive and uplifting lyrics, memorable melodies, catchy riffs, and blazing solos. Hellbranch Run have discovered a formula that works for them and they are running with it. Every song on this album could easily be played on today’s radio. I’m hopeful they will keep doing what they are doing, put out a new album in the near future and expand on their discoveries in themselves and make the best music possible.
Rating: 4/5 Stars!
Artist: Hellbranch Run
Album: Us Against the World
Release Date: April, 2012
Genre(s): Rock / Alt
Location: Columbus, OH
Members: Aaron Whitlock, Brandon Tuggle, Zach Russell, Chad Russell
Pertinent Album Information: Debut album 4-years in the making. CD Release show @ the famous Newport Music Hall.
Website: www.wix.com/hellbranchrun/hbr
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellbranchrun
Bandcamp: www.wearehbr.bandcamp.com
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/hellbranchrun
Twitter: @hellbranchrun
