Hawk Nelson - Live Life Loud

Producer:  Steve Wilson
Record Label:  BEC Recordings
Website:  http://www.hawknelson.com

Is it too much for this reviewer to say that Live Life Loud is one of the most anticipated releases of this fall?  It’s not that I’m the world’s biggest fan or anything - but Hawk Nelson has, over time, grown on me in a way that not too many bands have.  I enjoyed their debut for what it was - catchy pop/punk, but it wasn’t until Smile, It’s the End of the World released that I really sat up and took notice of this fun rock band.  The group released Hawk Nelson Is My Friend in the spring of last year - and with each single release - the band became more and more of a favorite of mine.  The band is now releasing Live Life Loud - its fourth full length studio album for the BEC/Tooth & Nail labels.  Truly great artists are known for pushing the boundaries while not abandoning their core sound that accumulated their fan base.  Hawk Nelson does just that with the release of Live Life Loud with the help of a new producer - Steve Wilson (Jeremy Camp, Jonezetta, Leeland) along with JR McNeely (Jeremy Camp) and Ted Jensen (Maroon 5).  The band continues to create catchy pop/punk that bands like Relient K, Simple Plan, and Blink 182 have been known for.  This is most notably seen on cuts like “Live Life Loud” and “Alive.”  “Meaning of Life” is a musical highlight with its infectious melody and catchy hook.  The band recalls a more modern Relient K on the harmony driven “Eggshells,” while “Shaken” is a tender ballad that is a sure album highlight as well.  The band also stretches themselves as well - especially on the acoustic driven “Tis So Sweet” and “Ode to Lord Stanley” - a hilarious tribute to lead singer Jason Dunn’s favorite team - the Calgary Flames.  Overall, Live Life Loud is another infectious release from one of Christian music’s favorite bands.