No Love – Hooray for Earth (Buy)

A year since the release of their debut EP Momo, New York-based Hooray For Earth (@hoorayforearth) has continued their strong momentum with the introduction of full-length, True Loves. While it may seem as though the album continues where the EP left off, the new music carries a slightly darker mood and fuller instrumental arrangements.

The band executes this slightly downbeat sound using synthesizers, distorted guitars, and a wide range of layered effects. Though the overall instrumentation is richer, the tracks maintain the expected sound of frontman Noel Heroux’s vocals distantly hovering above the the music. Samplings range from changing radio frequencies and engines revving up, to distant singing voices and other indistinguishable noises, creating the effect of futuristic music written by someone 30 years ago.

True Loves is a clear display of Hooray For Earth’s decision to gather inspiration from the 80s. “Bringing Us Closer Together”, complete with a horn section, is an obvious nod to the decade. All the song lacks is an over the top saxophone solo. The album’s standout track, and instant favorite, “True Loves”, surprisingly sheds most of the heavy 80s influence for a more modern day integration of tribal and hip-hop infused rhythms. The final song, “Black Trees”, follows a similar route while still incorporating the retro influences that run throughout the album.

The curse of the sophomore slump is found nowhere near True Loves. The album is well-crafted and balances the fine line of sounding familiar without mimicking what they released before. Hooray For Earth has successfully managed to create a great album a long shelf life.