WK24 - Cults - Cults (10)

Released - 6/7/11

Label - Sony Music Entertainment

BLURB - Where to begin with this brilliant release from Cults? My prior knowledge of Cults was basically that they were some hipster pop band that people in Williamsburg listened to because it was the cool thing to do. And that their twitter handle is @CultsCultsCults. However, their latest self-titled release has completely blown me away. The album is filled with precise pop concoctions and creates a warm nostalgic glow that is immediately likable. The vocals are pristine, if not angelic, and establish a sincere and emotional tone that is far too inviting. I can't put this album down. This is what pop music in 2011 should sound like.

Rating - 10 out of 10

FULL STORY - As my roommates can attest to, I've been on something of a 60's pop binge lately. I spent last night grilling for four hours and blasting music from The Hollies, The Supremes, Sam Cooke, The McCoys and countless others. There's such a timeless quality to some of these groups and artists. The production, feel, instrumentation -- everything about it has just a fun-loving and relaxed atmosphere. Nobody's ever been around a group of friends and heard 'This Magic Moment' and said -- hey can you skip past this song...I don't like it. And so you can see why this 'style' of music was perfect for a night of summer grilling with some friends. Although it did end abruptly as I finished my tenth beer.

And with this being said, after listening to the new Cults album a few times, I was beginning to pick up some of these great 60's pop aspects that were prevalent on the new record. Much of the music on the album is creatively basic (if that makes any sense). Most songs follow a traditional pop song structure while incorporating stylings of pop music in the 60's such as hook repetition and modulation. There's nothing like a good key change for the final chorus -- it really brings it home. Now, that's not to say this album sounds like The Isley Brothers or The Beach Boys, because it doesn't. But Cults does a terrific job of modernizing some of the subtle pop tendencies from the 60's, and putting their own little indie twist on it.

'Abducted' leads off the album with a collection of xylophone chimes and a muffled acoustic guitar. After this unassuming introduction the drums (and the rest of the music) kicks in with force and conviction. Madeline Follin's vocals are somewhere between singing and yelling, but are filled with passion -- they almost remind of The Crystals' 'Then He Kissed Me.'

'Go Outside' could very well be the track of the year. The main vocal hook of the track is so intoxicating, you'll almost certainly find yourself subconsciously humming it everywhere you go. The hook is also repeated and used throughout the duration of the song creating a great sense of continuity and solidarity. Hooks aside, the tone of the song is bright and warm as faded snare drums, xylophones and guitar riffs provide the backdrop. Melanie Follin's vocals also sparkle as she croons throughout the song:

"I really want to go out. I really want to go outside and stop to see your day. You really want to hole up? You really want to stay inside and sleep the light away?"

The 60's pop feel is extremely evident on the track 'You Know What I Mean.' There is a Dusty Springfield glow to Follin's voice that will make anyone fall in love with it. The song teeters between that of a slow dance song with sudden pulses of intensity and emotion. While the song is somewhat slow and patient, the bursts of energy provide great diversity and keep the track interesting to listen to. I also really don't think Follin's performance can be understated here. It's great to hear someone actually singing a pop song with conviction. None of this Taylor Swift garbage.

'Never Heal Myself' has a distinct, yet subtle charm to it. The song has a gentle tempo and flow that is personified by the soft acoustic guitars which flows towards one of the better and more dynamic choruses on the album. The descending vocal lines against the chord progressions match perfectly, helping to establish not just a solid chorus...but a memorable one.

The incredibly basic 'Bad Things' features slow, distorted piano riffs as Follin offers up a collection of vocal harmonies. I can see how some people would get bored with this track, but I actually like the song for how patient and mellow it is. It's almost as if Cults accomplished more by doing less. I can't imagine this song being any different -- it suits itself.

This album is likely the best straight up indie-pop album I've heard this year (at least so far), and I didn't even mention some of the other gems on the album like 'Walk at Night' and 'Bumper.' The record as a whole is just such a strong display of what a bunch of good hooks, music and vocals can become. I love the simplicity of the album as well -- you don't have to think about it. There is an immediate acknowledgement your brain makes when it hears this record. It's comfortable and inviting -- everything music should be.

Take a listen to 'You Know What I Mean.'

Tracks

1.) Abducted

2.) Go Outside

3.) You Know What I Mean

4.) Most Wanted

5.) Walk at Night

6.) Never Heal Myself

7.) Oh My God

8.) Never Saw the Point

9.) Bad Things

10.) Bumper

11.) Rave On