Painbow (label)
13 November 2015 (released)
03 November 2015
New York indie pop group The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have created a unique three track EP “after couple months ago I posted a demo for the song “Hell” and some people said, “why don’t you record that for real?” So we went over to my friend Danny’s studio (House Under Magic) and recorded the track along with two cover songs” explains core member Kip Berman. The EP consists of original track ‘Hell’, James cover ‘Laid’ and Felt cover ‘Ballad Of The Band’ - brave I know!
Original track ‘Hell’ is about how you feel when there’s a good song playing and you want to dance with someone and this track is that song. The unique vocals from Kip Berman alongside repetitive cheerful riffs makes a perfect summer tune, which doesn’t work too well with the November 13th release date. The lyrics are complex, which is difficult to find among indie bands nowadays so it adds that extra layer that many other alternative pop bands lack.
Felt cover ‘Ballad Of The Band’ was a risky choice and the New Yorkers couldn’t pull it off. It still has that old school sound but Berman’s vocals don’t suit the song as well as Felt’s lead vocalist Lawrence Hayward. The track lacks power and progression as it stays on a constant flat.
James cover ‘Laid’ on the other hand is pure brilliance. This could be thanks to A Sunny Day In Glasgow’s Jen Goma taking control of the vocals. It doesn’t differ from the original hugely but it’s great to hear a female covering this song and Goma’s raw voice suits it so perfectly. I even dare say that I prefer this cover to the original.
The three track EP is certainly quirky and original but still lacks that maturity and power that many other indie pop bands have. The ‘Laid’ cover makes the album, alongside the feel good ‘Hell’ but ‘Ballad Of The Band’ brings the light-hearted cheery mood down. The EP is more of a starting point that represents a newly formed group, not an 8 year old band that has a lot of experience under their belt.
