Artist on the Rise: Grouplove
By now you have heard of Grouplove. What’s that? You haven’t, you say? Well if you’ve seen the latest batch of Apple ads, then you have heard their single ‘Tongue Tied’. It’s a catchy tune, but in my opinion, not the strongest track off of their debut full length record, Never Trust a Happy Song - one of the most fitting album titles in recent memory.
Never Trust a Happy Song is long on upbeat jams, but underneath the melodic surface lies a layer of angst that creates a frenetic feel to the album and ultimately leaves you scratching your head when you try to classify the band in your head. And this – is what makes them both refreshing and brilliant all in one. They hook you with pop melodies and then punch you with raw vocals. Tight instrumentation, ridiculous hooks, and sublime vocal play make this record one of the best surprises of 2011, in retrospect. And how can I not mention the effect that Hannah Hooper, one of the group’s primary members, has on the record. Her vocals smooth out the tread marks left by male vocalist Christian Zucconi, ultimately creating the dynamic that sets them apart.
Find Never Trust a Happy Song on iTunes here. Choice tracks include ‘Itchin’ on a Photograph’, ‘Colours’, the surefire Summertime single ‘Naked Kids’, and Mylo’s favorite ‘Lovely Cup’.
Be sure to check out Grouplove this Spring, when they make their way back to the US after a swing through Europe. Tour Dates here.
4 Stars
- Mick Grady
Category: Artists on the Rise, Music
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
