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It’s been two years since New York buzz band, Cults, released their self titled debut album, which was catchy as all get out, but proved to be a little juvenile upon repeated listening. Now they’re back with sophomore release, Static, that interestingly features eerily similar album artwork as before. Still depicting a male and female mid jam, but this time in a pixilated form, the artwork, as well as the title, signifies no real departure from their original sound. That being said, Static comes off as a bit of a reexamination of their first record; they revise where they went wrong two years ago to make a record not only with a greater listening longevity, but one that is more enticing in its subtleties.
Though Cults prove this to be true after a bit of a slow start. The first track, “I Know,” is a hazy, ultimately skip-worthy track that may have been better left off the record, though it serves perhaps as a semi-introduction to the groups’ approach to music this go-round. Second up is an enticing number that incorporates the old and new sound. “I Can Hardly Make You Mine,” touts the familiar sugary vocals of Madelin Follin articulating simple lyrics, along with some xylophone-esque tinkering in the background. However, the vocals and tinkling xylophonic sounds are no longer gimmicks of this bands sound, but attributes that add texture to the overall mix. There are more layers and better ones at that, and such attention to detail makes each song seem more thought out and planned.
But the real superstar of this album is single, “High Road,” which is fourth up on the track list. Begging you to put this song on repeat and just drive around, slow and steady urban jungle beats welcome you, and swelling synth sounds make you stick around for the catchy chorus. Follin’s vocals on this number together with the smooth and cool instrumentation remind me of a Frankie Rose tune. After this number the songs seem fairly interesting and good, but this single definitely sticks out as a sure highlight that you will want to revisit over and over again. Honorable mentions for other stand out tracks go to “Were Before” for a groovy bass line and hair raising vocals, as well as “So Far” for its gritty guitar.
At the end of the day, this record may not be what a diehard fan of Cults’ original record really wants; Static is a touch more mature in its sound. However, to me, and perhaps newcomers to Cults, this serves as ultimately a positive change for the group. So if you weren’t a huge fan before, maybe it’s time to give Cults a second chance: they’re still fun and youthful, but Static is a ‘young adult’ record, while Cults was a ‘preteen’ record.
If there’s one thing Cults know how to do, it’s craft an undeniable hit. They create the sort of pop music that cross boundaries of hipsterdom into mass culture. That being said, you listen to the new tune they just dropped, and you’ll be enjoying the synth textures colliding with the vocals of Madeline Follin. I didn’t expect to imagine myself swinging about my classroom, shuffling my feet as I hand out the first day syllabus, but this tune definitely gives me that vibe. Look out for Offering on October 6th via Sinderlyn.
