Grouplove debut a strong start
Wed 02 November 2011
Scott Sawyer, Bachelor of Journalism
LA five-piece Grouplove have finally arrived with their debut LP, Never Trust a Happy Song.
After spending years on the fringes of the indie-folk music scene, playing underground festivals and small-time gigs, the band have begun to make their mark on a global level.
Formed in 2009 by Hannah Hooper and co, the band has royalty in their music blood.
Sean Gadd, son of Steve Gadd of Stray fame, and Ryan Rabin, son of Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin, make up part of the band, and there is plenty of signs in their first long-player that this band has the ingredients to become the cult indie band of 2011.
The album is a fine debut by any standards, and has been highly acclaimed with Sputnik Music labelling it ‘the perfect summer record’.
The album is a strong showing from the Californian surf-pop influenced group.
Crowd favourite and best-known tune ‘Colours’ is a catchy, engaging piece of Californian surf-rock, and with the fast-paced, energetic pop piece ‘Spun’ the band has shown they are not afraid to mix it up.
The third track, ‘Lovely Cup’ is arguably the track of the album, and after the first listen is firmly stuck in your head.
However, this reviewer can’t go past the eccentric, nostalgic anthem that is ‘Naked Kids’, with the track taking the listener so close to the Big Sur coastline and ‘60s beach scene you can almost feel the sand as you listen to the sugary-sweet sounds of Hannah Hooper and co’s vocals.
‘Itchin’ on a Photograph’ is another crowd pleaser, and this band is sure to turn a few heads when they embark on their first full-length tour of Australia shortly, bringing their retro lo-fi indie rock and often times beautiful coastal folk tunes to their loyal and increasing number of Aussie fans.
Image(s) designed by Scott Sawyer