‘Desolation Years’ is Hong Faux’s much anticipated third full-length album and follow up to ‘A Message From Dystopia’. The album opens up a hole in the gut, and peeks inside to try to understand what’s going on. Heavy riffs, melodic passages and the witty musical turns that characterise Hong Faux are all there, but this time with a modern twist. Introspective lyrics in a tug of war with heavy riffing and melodic transitions in a dark soundtrack to modern life are the building blocks of ‘Desolation Years’ – Hong Faux’s attempt at painting a musical picture of the void between how it is and how it should be.
Pre-order/add/save link: https://orcd.co/desolation-years
Ever since Hong Faux’s very first recorded notes started their journey from blog, to magazines, to radio and MTV, people have tried to label the music and to figure out the meaning of the band’s name. A London promoter called it “old school super sludgy riffology with blues wailin’ vox”. Listening to the songs on their new album, it would be foolish to argue against such a statement. In simpler terms, you’ll find the sound that brought together four guys with very diverse musical tastes and backgrounds.
‘Desolation Years’ Track By Track:
Wake Me Up For Exit: The opener of the album head butts itself into existence. A classic Hong Faux track with the riff on top and the juicy parts below.
Fornever: This big, arena-worthy anthem is a melodic journey with a huge chorus and a middle eight to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Zero Point: What’s the point? This melancholic piece explores soulful and jazzy harmonics before erupting into a heavy stoner rock wrecking ball, whilst examining the will to be ruled out of the future.
Trains: Trains is the first single from the new album. The song dives deep into the fury of an “ordinary man” over the craziness of the current state of the world. Bombastic, modern rock coupled with the rhythm and attack of hip hop. (Yes!) If this track doesn’t make your head move – have it checked!
New Vegas: The classic rock packaging of “New Vegas” contains a grungy vibe core.
Desolation Years: The title track of the album is a heavy, doomy song, wrapped around a dark soundscape and the question, “Are we ready for the desolation years?”.
Disco Necropolis: This supercharged, heavy song takes the listener straight to the middle of the dancefloor at Disco Necropolis – in for a penny, in for a pound…
Parasite: Hong Faux claims to do “arena stoner rock” and this track is proof! Rhythm, riffs and a big sign saying: “Everything’s perfect here but nothing’s RIGHT!”
Starkiller: “Starkiller” flirts with the songwriting of the ‘90s. The song seduces with an americana-seasoned verse before launching into an arena-oriented chorus laced with big vocals and a universal message to get your sh*t together.
Whitman, Price & Haddad: Do you remember Whitman, Price & Haddad – basking in the Maui sun? …No that’s right, they’re ashes… slightly overdone…
The Flood: The final track on the album is a lighter version of a riff that was once heavy. Is it ok for a heavy band to do a pop song? The answer is unquestionably yes!
