Northcote – ‘Hope Is Made Of Steel’

By Ben Tipple

Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Goud is by no means alone in his endeavour, bringing heartfelt lyrics and melodies to the masses through guitar driven folk-punk. In fact, his Xtra Mile Recordings home sees him sit immediately against veteran contemporaries that outstretch the six years since his debut ‘Borrowed Chords, Tired Eyes’ EP. Yet on ‘Hope Is Made Of Steel’, the third full-length by Northcote, the four-piece fronted by Goud balance the more traditional folk-punk sounds with a touch of radio friendly pop.

Channelling the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the recently defunct The Gaslight Anthem, there’s more Americana here than punk troubadour. This inevitably removes some of the immediate heart that often dominates the genre, yet when Northcote slow the tempo they still demonstrate the ability to break hearts. ‘Leaving Wyoming’ balances the softer side of the aforementioned The Gaslight Anthem with country storytelling, while album closer ‘Your Rock and Roll’ provides a stripped back folk-punk declaration of love.

Risking comparison with more uneventful mainstream outfits on some of the comparably upbeat numbers, Northcote grip on to their individuality through Goud’s distinctive vocals and their ability to tell a tale. It doesn’t stop the likes of ‘Bitter End’ treading in twee US drama soundtrack territory, but it does ensure this doesn’t become a symptom of the entire record.

‘Hope Is Made Of Steel’ is a reasonably straightforward folk-punk record, catchy in its melody and unchallenging in its delivery. Those with a void following the disbandment of The Gaslight Anthem are likely to find some solace in the similarities in sound, and there’s just enough originality to make Northcote an interesting listen.

BEN TIPPLE

Three more album reviews for you

Fortune Teller – ‘PREMONITIONS’

While She Sleeps - 'SELF HELL'

USA Nails – ‘FEEL WORSE’