Hidden In Plain View, “Resolution” (5/5)

So here’s how it goes: Hidden in Plain View heads into the studio to record their second full length album. Not too long after recording is completed, they announce to the world that they are breaking up. Just short of half a year passes and then the final album is released. This album, titled “Resolution”, is an impressive collection of music that perfectly portrays the band’s style in twelve consistent, well-crafted songs.

The CD starts off strong with the opening track, “Bendy”, a song about the quest to make it in the music industry, beginning at simply being a fan and putting yourself out there as a musician. The lyrics, “I was a teenager back then / Dreaming of a big dream - to make it / Put your hands on my heart / Come on, put your faith in me / Lay your life on the line and just believe”, display a plea for support in this endeavor.

Many of the songs on “Resolution” cover all aspects of relationships, from the feelings leading up to a relationship’s end (“Like an Ocean”), to wanting to hold on to a romance that you’re scared might be fading (“Walk Harbor City”). In “Like an Ocean”, you can hear the desperation in his voice when singer Joe Reo belts out “Should we lose control or just lose it all? / Cause I can't stop feeling like the feeling is all gone / Go on and lose it all / I'm losing all control”. “Circles” and “Hear Me Out” are notable songs which both have to do with the band itself. “Circles” references the musician’s lifestyle - “Circling the country, running on empty, Need another crowd, feeling so lonely”, whereas “Hear Me Out” acts as a song of closure for the band, as they say goodbye and declare their intent to lead their life the way they want to.

I’m not going to lie, I was terribly saddened when I found out Hidden in Plain View had disbanded. Many of the songs on this album are strong, solid rock songs, and it disappoints me that I will never have the opportunity to hear them performed with the energy and vigor that’s involved in a live show. In addition to that, after an album this remarkable, it leaves me wondering what masterpieces would have been created had the band been around for just a little longer.

To put it in the simplest of terms, “Resolution” is an epic end to a band I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to.

Favorite Track: Bendy



Reviewed By: Cathy