"There's a sense of realness about us," says Robb. "We don't put up any fronts. We're just four normal guys who play music and I think kids have always appreciated us for it. We've had people come up to us after shows and say that we look like we're having a good time when we play and I don't think that comes across enough these days. Fans want to see players who connect with their fans rather than some group that just wants to focus on it image."
In 1998, Hoobastank went worldwide with their self-released first album, They Sure Don't Make Bastketball Shorts Like They Used To. While the disc sold well at shows and local retailers, it took off online, expanding the band's fan base to places as far as England, Israel, Russian, and Brazil. Within a matter of months, the band had sold every copy.
Says Estrin, "It's an incredible feeling to know that our music is finding its way to people around the world. We couldn't believe it when one kid e-mailed us from brazil to let us know he had created a site dedicated to the band after hearing our album for the first time. That's just awesome." With their self-titled Islan debut, Hoobastank is preparing to deliver on the promise of its earlier success. Listeners tired of rock's same-sounding rap will rejoice upon hearing the melodic resonance of Hoobastank an album produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Fiona Apple) and mixed by Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm, Orgy). The electrifying disc slices through the genre's stylistic fetishes and goes straight for its emotional core, blending invigorating melodies and sharp, insistent hooks with blasting rhythm rock guitars.
There's much to like about Hoobastank, a surging rock record of deftly written compositions. The album's stylistis touchstones--sharp wordplay, soaring climaxes and a raw, overriding energy--showcases the quartet's mercurial talents and establishes them as a band with a sound and vision all their own.
