Hurts

Manchester duo Hurts seem to have gained as much press for their image, as for their music, which is a shame. Right from hearing ‘Wonderful Life’ earlier this year I was hooked on Hurts 80’s inspired sound. Having now finally got my hands on their debut album ‘Happiness’ I am still as smitten as I was back in January. Flashbacks to Ultravox, Tears for Fears, Associates and early Duran Duran wash over me as I listen to ‘Happiness’, although this is by no menas an 80’s tribute album. Hurts still manage to have a modern twist to their sound.

Right from opening track ‘Silver Lining’ it is obvious Hurts take musical production seriously and throw plenty into the mix – choirs and orchestras frequently appear. The end result is 11 tracks with depth, variety and longevity. ‘Wonderful Life’ still sounds as fresh and unique as it did 9 months ago, whilst ‘Blood, Tears & Gold’ is surely a future single contender with its more poppy sound and big grand chorus in an almost Take That / One Night Only style, but a bit more stripped back. ‘Illuminated’ is another standout track with an atmospheric start before a big chorus cuts in – quite Depeche Mode actually (missed them off the list earlier!!). Previous single ‘Better than Love’ still sounds great – a travesty this didn’t have a better chart performance.

Hurts are obviously attracting the right attention as Kylie guests on ‘Devotion’ although it is quite a low key offering. Perhaps an opportunity wasted?

This is a stunning album; unlike anything else I have heard this year. Production is perfect, lyrically intelligent on the whole (I’ll skip over Evelyn) and musically genius with huge towering choruses accompanying simmering verses.