Room Thirteen.com
Review by Paul Diggett

Everything needed in a British(!) Punk band.

When I first read that Hudson supposedly sounded like a mixture of NOFX, Bad Religion and "smash-era Offspring" I laughed out loud. I mean... what? A mixture of the best melodic Punk bands around? Sure kids. But then I listened to the CD and I realised these three gentlemen from Stoke-on-Trent really might be on to something special.

With a voice reminiscent of Joey Cape of Lagwagon, Rich sings with such accusation that would not go amiss on early Bad Religion albums. I honestly don't think I can say a bad thing about this band. Every track has intense powerhouse drumming, especially poignant on tracks like 'Overdose', 'Rebecca', 'Get Out While You Can' and 'Ninety Nine Percent', which kicks off the album in the most amazing way, the energy behind this track is almost ridiculous, you can practically feel the heat from the mosh pit when listening to this track.

Rumbling bass that is reminiscent of Strung Out and NOFX, the guitar work is so fuelled with energy on every track but especially noticeable on 'Nothing Left', 'W761' and 'Five Years Wasted' could very well be the equivalent for The Offspring's' 'Self Esteem' for this band, a sing along anthem, and I do just that, I dare you not to sing along.

'Whore' is the track with standout lyrics, ending on the line "I got something wrong with me, think I've got an STD". Enough said- I was in hysterics. 'Rebecca' also has some incredibly poignant lyrics written about a girl in the crowd, it's hard to decipher whether Rich is kidding, or serious, but it's still a great sing none the less.

'Uninvited' displays Richs' voice best, one of the greatest things about this band is the fact that they don't try to hide their English accents behind fake Americanism and this song showcases that brilliantly. Again a track that oozes energy, so much so I think it may cause some peoples' stereos to explode.

This album shows intense diversity, some laugh out loud lyrics, some with more depth, and a huge amount of talent and energy, live this must be a full throttle experience that I can't wait to experience. There is a huge void of good, youthful, real British Punk right now, up and comers like The Fight and Hudson are destined for bigger and better things. Buy this album and be part of beginning of something special.

Rock Sound
Review by Paul Raggity

This is an impressive debut from a band who started as a college project two years ago. We're not talking instantly groundbreaking, but, throughout the 12 tracks, there are enough nifty ideas to tip you off that they have the capability to appeal to a wide audience given the right breaks. Tracks like 'Sick Inside' and 'W761' have enough dirty power to hit the spot for fans of bands like 4ft Fingers, while retaining enough of a pop-punk approach to grab the attention of those for whom Sum 41 are the preferred tipple. The sound is unmistakeably English but with an American infusion that comes from Bad Religion and NoFX. And they do it well. There may be too many bands mining this seam, but when you list those that may just strike gold, include Hudson.

7/10

Powerplay Magazine
Review by Ian Guy Lochead

As I first listened to this the news broke that Busted had broken up, news that will not break many hearts at PP Towers. The B boys said they were a bridge between pop and punk. So if loads of their fans started turning up at punk gigs we will know they did a service. Of course I do not expect to see Busted shirts at Exploited or Anti Flag gigs, but Reel Big Fish, [Spunge], and Hudson? Yes, this outfit might pick up a few brave ex Busted babes.
Hudson will have you know that they are harder, more full-on, less safe that the boys from Southend. And yes rather then just striking the poses of US melodic punk, this band plays the notes as well. Still, as a musical form this does not give many avenues for uniqueness. So whilst this album is a racy little number, it is not especially different. Much of the music seems to come either directly from Bad Religion or through punk distillation via NOFX, Sum41 and Bad Religion.
The problem of course with these young bands is that often they seem just in it for the party. This album does have its fair share of girl chasing, booze drinking moments but these young Turks also have a world view of sorts. "Ninety Nine Percent" is about intolerance but due to a mixed up middle section, the message gets a bit blurred. Then of course "Get Out While You Can" is a rocking anti Blair number, but without any political message.
Hudson are a lot of things: energetic, catchy, and young, but what they are not is Busted. Good tunes, a bit of social awareness, and bucket loads of fun.

7/10

Rockbeast.com
Review by Chris

Another of Psychophonic Records bands releasing their debut album and another one of the albums which is sheer brilliance. Blending together the melodies of Green Day and Blink 182 with the heavy riffs of bands such as The Offspring and NOFX, Hudson formerly known as Ginger Wig have definitely hit the right spot.

Changing in pace throughout the entire album Hudson give off the impression even through a CD of what they can do live and having built up a strong fan base Hudson hope to capitalise on things going their way with a UK tour in January/February time also filming a video for ‘Get Out While You Can’.

Recorded in Chapel Studio only three months ago with Ewan Davies (Funeral For A Friend, InMe, Longview) taking charge of engineering and co producing Hudson are ready to rock all over the UK in 2005, watch out for them.

Feedback Issue 82
Review by Kev Rowland

Named after Bill Paxton’s character in “Aliens”, Hudson are proving with their debut that it is possible to produce punk rock in this country without it degenerating into something that sounds as if it has been recorded by Busted or McFly. The first song “Ninety Nine Percent” starts off slowly enough but soon the drums kick in and the band are off at full tilt. This is rock that combines intricate riffs with pop sensibilities and punk enthusiasm. Turn it up and then hang onto something secure and meet you at the end.

Bringing together bands such as NOFX, Bad Religion and Sum 41 with Offspring this is music to smile to, music to mosh to. Formed as Ginger Wig back in 2002, this line-up only got together in the summer but this doesn’t sound like a debut by a new young band, but rather as if they have been around for a while. This is powerful stuff that is going to gain them a lot of credit when it is released in February.

Moon Music
Review by Alix Graham

After reading their bio I wasn’t sure if Hudson could live up to my expectations of a band compared to NOFX, Sum41 and the kings the Offspring. I was wrong. Fearing an album mixing pop-punk with some heavier punk songs, I was gladly shocked to hear a slow start to Ninety Nine Percent that leads up to a perfectly timed riff and the same level of work carrying on throughout the debut cd. The lyrics are well thought and show the talent of the songwriter that suits the talent of the band as a whole. All the songs on this album show the attitude and talent needed to go far, with lyrics true to them and the drums, bass and guitar fitting together completely. My favourite song on the album would be W761. Being a song that many people can relate to, this is the song which stands out the most and shows every aspect of the band.

All in all, this is definitely a cd that I would recommend as a good buy, certainly worth the money.

8/10