Sadly Weak
When I listened to the first track, straight away I had the image of one of those 80s series where there were happy families playing all together in a world full of happy people. So let's say it on the go: boring. And the lyrics did not help: 'So don't change direction if you don't know the way, and we'll stay young forever'. Okay, fine, all the songs do not need to have some kind of philosophical meaning, but too much happiness kills happiness. Glen Carle, vocals, does not have the most extraordinary voice either.
So after a poor start, a much more interesting song comes up. 'Ode to the End' contains riffs that catch your ear and a whole sounding that is more researched but still one thing drives the song down : the vocals. It is simply not powerful enough.
'Build a Fortress' sounds a bit dull. From one song to the other there is not much of a difference. In fact there is: the intro. But then they continue with the same kind of music and tempo.
'Sky' starts with good, heavy guitar riffs, some kind of risk taking, but the band don't seem to be able to cope with a heavy sound. It just sounds bad and messy, but at least they tried. Actually the song sadly sounded more interesting when there was no singing involved.
The rest of the tracks arrive and I just gave up listening to something original and interesting; it's the same kind of music all way through.
Overall the album is like an unfinished product. The essence is there but there is just something that prevents it from being something exceptional or at least good. There is like a lack of personality in it. Hayze have been together for 3 years but still they do not seem to find their own sound. It's weak and let's face it, a bit boring. If they can get much more experience they will be able to re-produce that in their music offering us a much fuller sound.
No worries they will certainly have some sort of success as they sound like a certain British band that all teeny girls like (remember McFly?). So if you're into teenie-pop-rockish music, Hayze is for you!