Cults uncommon approach to pop music has not only become a staple on national TV commercials, but had also garnered them quite the following. This NYC duo went to the drawing board for their sophomore album Static and decided their efforts would be best spent creating the perfect break-up record. Something about their distinctive, lo-fi haze sound coupled with their authentic lyricism proves their "grown-up" album is out to carve its own groove in contemporary indie-pop music.
Members Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin again co-produced the album with Shane Stoneback, except this time around, they jointly decided to add a different flare to their music by bringing in the help of Youth Lagoon and Animal Collective's musical engineer Ben Allen. However, they didn't go out looking to switch up their musical style completely, but merely chose to enhance what they are now: a moody, unorthodox, and admirably confident duo. They achieve this with their first single "I Can Hardly Make You Mine," a more pop-influenced, yet heart-on-the-sleeve type track soaked in romantic innuendos. Follin's croon on "Always and Forever" conjures up images from some generic and retro love story while the timeless lyrics give the song present day versatility.
What's great about Cults is that they show how humbling chord progression, simple guitar strokes, and emotional vocals can be plenty, especially on "High Road." Even more striking in this song is how they never give too much, but instead just enough and this is seen throughout the instrumentals and the basic lyrics of "Should have took the high road. Now my days have all turned black." Other album highlight "So Far" showcases Follin roaring about her ex slipping through her fingers while also adding to the album's focus on break-up songs.
In a day where new American indie pop-rock acts come forth every day, any well-educated bookie or music aficionado would be sure to place a bet that Cults sophomore album Static proves the duo has created a niche in the music landscape for the long run.
Adore Cults' new album! Especially the interviews they've been doing recently. Their session with Baeble Music is sweet http://www.baeblemusic.com/concert-video/Acme-Studios/Cults.html