Just in time for your summer romance, comes the full-length debut from Cults. Don’t be fooled into thinking that these are creepy songs enticing you to drink the punch just because the band’s name conjures darker images. This duo produces songs that are the kind of sweet, airy, sing-alongs that may have accompanied a film with Annette Funicello back in the day.
Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion have entranced the critics with their effortless summer anthems. Reminiscent of 60s girl pop groups like The Ronettes, you can almost envision a trio of backup singers with the small, choreographed movements of Motown behind Follin’s seductive voice. This isn’t the retro vibe of Duffy or Amy Winehouse, but rather a simplistic sound with familiar elements infused with shoegaze. Spoken word samples lend a mysterious layer of sound to the strut of the bass and the playful twinkles of the xylophone.
The retro girl-group sound compliments lyrics that are ripe with teenage self-discovery. Being dreamy one moment and angsty the next can remind anyone of their tumultuous adolescence.
This is the music of summer; it is a little familiar, a little new, but still has the spark of carefree innocence. The album is short, which will be perfect for your (hopefully) short journey to the beach.
If you like: Best Coast, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Jenny and Johnny,
Check out: Cults
Feeling brave: The Crystals, The Ronettes, Coconut Records, School of Seven Bells, Bat for LashesAI level: Beginner