[rating=7.00]
It’s been four years since we’ve heard from New York City duo Cults, and things have shifted a bit since their last release, 2013’s Static. Specifically, they’ve leveled things out, with both members of the band taking equal part in the creation of their new album, Offering. While Madeline Follin often took a more independent approach to songwriting, this time she and Brian Oblivion collaborated closely on every detail of the record. Follin even takes on drums and keyboard duties, rather than just focusing on vocals. But avid Cults fans need not worry – Follin’s saccharine, soft singing is still fully intact on Offering, this time backed by a far more dance-heavy pop sound that’s bigger than anything the band has ever done.
That collaborative effort makes all the difference on Offering, as Follin and Oblivion sound so in sync. Each song sounds tight and polished, from the epic, thoughtful instrumental and harmony layers on “Good Religion” to the shimmering, 80s pop synth of the album’s title track. Follin’s vocals pop more on Offering, too, showing off her impressive range. The high notes she hits on “Offering” are the richest we’ve heard from her, and the song’s melody is easily one of their catchiest earworms yet. “Natural State,” packs a melodic punch that will send you straight into the sparkling, starry galaxy they’ve created.
Offering fills more space lyrically, too. On “Nothing is Written” and “Talk in Circles” Follin tries to move on from heartbreak, even as she feels untethered and continues to repeat the same mistakes. “I’m still here/And you’re still gone/You left me hanging once again/Just like I knew you would/It’s more than I can comprehend/I’m at a loss for words,” she sings on he latter. The album’s finale “Gilded Lily” takes us out on an anthemic note. “Every city’s got a graveyard/A service bought and paid for/Now I’m sleeping in the backyard/Passing out as night turns into day,” she sings, softly and slowly before the chorus practically breaks the sky open. “Haven’t I given enough?” she repeatedly asks. On Offering, it’s more than enough.
