Hostile Takeover

Hostile Takeover blend the influences of early Stooges, Mission Of Burma and Hüsker Dü to create a pretty potent concoction of sound. The first two-thirds of Spells, Charms and Curses is a purely rock’n’roll affair, musically sounding similar to bands like the Constantines or a slowed down New Bomb Turks, made all the more impressive when you realise this band are a three-piece. Vocally, the style is similar to Iggy Pop. Album opener "Inside Information” kicks things off in top form, but it is with songs like "Product Placement” where Hostile Takeover shine. The drumming is understated and driving, while the guitar and bass push the song forward. Towards the end of the album things calm down a bit and the band take a stab at creating some prettier, less caustic sounds. Overall, the production is pretty much perfect for the band’s style, sounding raw enough to give it the right amount of edge and volatility but clear enough to actually make out what’s going on.