Cults- S/T

Last year when I first heard Cults’ Go Outside, on the web it struck a particular chord with me; it was catchy and sweet, but it was also one of those songs that just made you feel really good inside. It was an escape from the dribble of classes and work that evoked a sentimental longing for relaxation. On their debut album Go Outside once again makes an appearance, and it lives up to the emotions that it struck up a year ago, giving off the necessary vitamins that are needed to feel fully energized, with dream like qualities that show how one element can make a band versatile in their songwriting abilities in developing an album that is both memorable and loaded with variety.

Cults’ rise to success is one that needs to be commended in that their debut is being released by Columbia, while this isn’t the first time something like this has happened to a band before it is something that should be noted. Singer Madeline Follin youthful alto pays homage to the female teen pop vocal groups that were made popular by legendary producer Phil Spector. The 60’s pop sound is heard throughout the album and is noticeable on You Know What I mean, orchestral arrangements are recreated using synths and guitars with a minimal degree of sampling while Follin’s vocals deliver an intensity that is similar to that of The Supremes.

Oh My God, which was unveiled last summer as apart of adult swim’s single series, is slightly remixed but delivers a crisper sound both instrumentally and vocally. Bumper once again embellishes the 60’s pop sound this time as a duet between Follin and her partner in crime Brian Oblivion. Together these two give off a balanced dynamic that captures the essence of 60’s pop music with a 21st century twist, while the la-da-da-da-da shares similarities with the chorus of Elton John’s Crocodile Rock.

Cults clocks in at roughly over 30 minutes, which makes it the perfect album for your morning or evening, commute and an essential album that defines what summer is. However what is more important is the fact that this is a band that executes what they’ve intended to do which is make a feel good album, while allowing themselves to grow and mature over time. Having only released four tracks in 2010, to spark an interest (three of which made it onto their debut) clearly shows that this is a band that knows how to attract an audience.