Bad things happen to the people you love
And you'll find yourself paying the diamond above
But honestly I've never had much sympathy
'Cause those bad...
Despite the genre signifiers there's more than enough personality of their own here for Cults to transcend both their blog hit wonder and the timeworn sound they lovingly homage.
Cults is a bit like a sugar rush: exhilarating at first, and then exhausting. Still, the sounds and ideas they play with are too intriguing to dismiss entirely, even if some of the mystery around them is gone.
Cults are excellent songcrafters, expert at boosting drama with dynamics and unexpected sounds. But what sets their music apart is feeling: the mood of wistful romance that hovers over the songs, the idea that love is an insoluble mystery.
The subversive elements often feel like unnecessary posturing, but the production wisely hides them behind more obvious assets like sunny pop hooks, singalong choruses and Madeline Follin's childlike voice.
Cults are Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion, two film students who just happened to score the best retro soul-pop album of the year. DespiteCults are Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion, two film students who just happened to score the best retro soul-pop album of the year. Despite its name, itâ…Collapse
Cults is the epitome of good Indie Pop. The lilting vocals with the catchy instrumentation really hides the dark, somber lyrics from theCults is the epitome of good Indie Pop. The lilting vocals with the catchy instrumentation really hides the dark, somber lyrics from the listener. With so much doubt, not to mention quotes from various cult leaders, the contrast between lyric and music really hits home. "Go Outside" is an absolutely delightful track that got this band noticed, and the quote at the beginning the most intelligible and makes you wonder why it's paired with such happy music. It's because the music actually isn't happy at all, it's conflictive, doubtful, but trying it's hardest to be happy. "Most Wanted" definitely effuses innocence and curiosity, then at the end it becomes really destructive, making you wonder what happened to the girl who knew what she wanted was bad for her? It doesn't sound good. "Abducted", "Never Saw The Point", and "Never Heal Myself" are all other highlights of the album, and "Bumper" and "Rave On" are also fantastic songs. Oh Hell, the whole album is fantastic.…Expand
Cults first caught the attention of music bloggers and critics after posting three tracks on a nondescript website. Toss in a thumbs up fromCults first caught the attention of music bloggers and critics after posting three tracks on a nondescript website. Toss in a thumbs up from Pitchfork and you've officially got a a buzz band on your hands. Thankfully, Cults come through in a big way on their debut album. Although Madeline [vocals] and Brian [vocals, guitar] admittedly do not share many similarities in their taste of music, they found a common ground in the pop sounds from the 1960's. It is through this common love of an era decades ago that produces one of the stand-out albums of 2011 thus far.…Expand
Having listened to this album so more, it is now growing more on me. Took longer than some other albums but I am now enjoying the experienceHaving listened to this album so more, it is now growing more on me. Took longer than some other albums but I am now enjoying the experience alot more. Reminds me of Phantogram. They can only get better from now on in.…Expand
It's unfortunate that Cults are still learning some of the basics of production; excessive reverb in particular plagues the album. What anIt's unfortunate that Cults are still learning some of the basics of production; excessive reverb in particular plagues the album. What an otherwise near-perfect track "Go Outside" was while it was free on bandcamp has turned into somewhat of a mess on the album. "Most Wanted" is in a similar situation, but with an additionally far-too-loud-and-bright bass line on top of reverb the size of the grand canyon. Whether or not the original duo decided to put reverb on everything including the kick drums (sigh) or their major label producers did, the songs are still catchy and charming. Catch the old versions of "Go Outside" and "Most Wanted" still up at cults.bandcamp.com while they're still there, because they're far better, but otherwise this album is still worth the money.…Expand
A throw back band if there ever was one. Doesn't break new ground and the band's limitations and conventions become apparent rather quickly.A throw back band if there ever was one. Doesn't break new ground and the band's limitations and conventions become apparent rather quickly. Regardless if you are in the mood for a candy bar this will suffice.…Expand
It's easy and fun at the expense of complexity and intelligence. It's indie for the masses. The Media industry is catching onto thisIt's easy and fun at the expense of complexity and intelligence. It's indie for the masses. The Media industry is catching onto this marketable niche. Not that that's a bad thing, this isn't bad music (per se) and I can't speak for everyone, but there is much better music that is just as available.…Expand
