Self-Titled

Review by Darren Gawle

I don't think I would hate the Tragically Hip so much if it weren't for their immense popularity; as if it weren't enough that I can't stand listening to them, their brand of boring, bloated crap is inflicted upon me at every turn. Plus, we all know that Canadian citizenship is dependent on your ability to recite the lyrics to "Blow at High Dough." (Why do you think my passport was revoked in 1992?)

So what does this have to do with Rich Hope? Well, like many of their contemporaries (the Shademakers, for instance), they evidently think that sounding like the Hip is where it's at. It's not bad, technically -- everyone is proficient on their instrument, and Rich sings in key -- but it's nothing new. Rich Hope only step off the Hip bandwagon for "Heredity," which fluffs their chance to show some diversity by instead sounding like Blue Rodeo.

They're probably a lovely bunch of guys, but their music is dull and redundant.

Artist Contact Info: 1837 Larch St., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6K 3N9