The two most heartbreaking words in the English language are 'what if…' and it can be touted around bands and artists their whole career. Who should have been huge? In my opinion, Hope Of The States. Chichester's finest post-rock pioneers followed up a series of well received EPs with the 2004 release of an incredible debut in 'The Lost Riots.' But it wasn't to be. A downwards spiral, including the suicide of guitarist James Lawrence shortly before the release, was enough to, as good as, end the relationships formed within the band. Even the release of follow-up 'Left' in 2006 couldn't save a group that delivered so much more than they promised but weren’t around long enough to truly thrive within their field. Sonically beautiful in the studio and captivating live their Reading and Leeds shows the summer of 2006 would prove to be their last.

Joe Ward

Posted In They Shoulda Been Huge, Aug 26 2008.