With their latest self-titled release, NYC duo Cults deliver one of the year’s catchiest albums and a perfect collection of summertime songs. Borrowing heavily from early 60’s pop music, Cults succeed in producing an honest sound in an area where other bands might come off as being kitschy or patronizing. In what seems to be a trend (and a welcome one), Cults blur the line between homage and originality, giving the listener an experience that is both unique and familiar.
There is little doubt that the album’s first two track will be heard all over the place before the end of the summer. Both “Abducted” and “Go Outside” get their hooks into one’s brain to such a degree that it’s delightful to the point of insanity. The real gems on the album are “You Know What I Mean” and “Never Heal Myself,” which might be the two tracks that most sound like they were written 50 years ago in Detroit and transported to 2011 Brooklyn for recording. Lamenting, eerie mini-ballads, they are both gorgeous songs.
Cults manage to avoid the pitfalls other bands fall prey to by fully embracing the throwback/indie rock sound. Rather than try it out for a track or two, which usually turns out sounding like recess from “serious” songs, they keep it up throughout the entire album. The result is easily one of our favorite albums of 2011. It’s a solid listen from front to back and is highly recommended for listeners of all types.
Cults will be playing Larimer Lounge in Denver on August 1st.
“Go Outside” is available for free download at Amazon throughout June.
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