• Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 19, 2006
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. As exhilarating as it all may seem on the surface, there's little here that we haven't heard before.
  2. Mojo
    40
    You're left with the uncomfortable sensation of having walked in on six serious young men, lost in their own indie-rock majesty. [Jun 2006, p.110]
  3. A monumental, spectacular achievement.
  4. Noble and determined, 'Left' proves that while HOTS are capable of stirring thoughts and emotions, it's only when they reach full throttle that they truly move hearts and minds.
  5. They have developed into an almost evangelically uplifting and powerful rock unit.
  6. Q Magazine
    70
    A confident return. [Jul 2006, p.115]
  7. Hope of the States haven’t completely given themselves up to mediocrity yet, but they’re well on their way.
  8. On early singles... Hope of the States displayed a promisingly dark streak, like Mogwai with songs; now they are merely Embrace with effects pedals.
  9. Uncut
    60
    For better, and for worse, this is a band who still haven't figured out who they are. [Jul 2006, p.95]
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. AlanB
    Oct 22, 2006
    8
    While not as strong as their debut, there are some rather special tracks on this, particularly the download / vinyl only single, Blood Meridian.
  2. Capu
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    one of the albums of the year... and they split up, maybe cos of the 6 ut of 10's going on up there... god bless them all, music will be one of the albums of the year... and they split up, maybe cos of the 6 ut of 10's going on up there... god bless them all, music will be so much worse without them.... Full Review »
  3. sk
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    a great comeback album. "You didn't think we could / "You didn't think we would" / "But we did!" yes u r right.