Hinds, Madrid’s own beloved four-piece have finally put out their third album, The Prettiest Curse after an unfortunate postponement of the original release date. The anticipation only makes the actual release more anticipated by the band’s large fan base. Since 2011 when singer/guitarists Carla Cosials and Ana Perrote were playing covers as “Deers” and releasing singles on Bandcamp, their popularity has exploded to the point that people consider them one of Spain’s best musical outputs of recent memory. In that time the band has played on the Stephen Colbert Show and at Coachella while also signing an exclusive clothing line through Urban Outfitters and creating a cruelty-free makeup line.
The opening track “Good Times, Bad Times” is a definite highlight of their overall catalog combining all the elements that have been successful in the past while also setting up the lyrical theme of the album. “Just Like Kids (Miau)” has a chorus that is guaranteed to get stuck in your mind as well as a great rhythm section performance from the very talented pair of Ade Martin (bass) and Amber Grimbergen. A fun romp through the day to day annoyances and current mindset of the band. Lyrics like “You’re too pink to be admired and too punk to be desired” shine a light on how a lot of women are treated in music today in a brilliantly succinct way. It and “The Play” are outliers on the album because they direct a more internal struggle with the rapidly changing life they’ve been experiencing.
“Come Back And Love Me <3” is probably the most versatile of all the songs on the album. It’s broken down approach and consistent build make it an extremely listenable song to most music fans. “Burn” has a surprisingly early 2000’s indie sound to it for a band that has such a strong footing in today’s sound. Songs such as “Boy” and “Riding Solo” are clearer examples of the album’s main lyrical subject: heartbreak and the inevitable mess a person is left with afterward. “This Moment Forever” displays the same idea as well, with a much slower and deliberate approach to its delivery. The somber tone wraps the album up well, delivering the final lyrical and emotional tug on the listener’s heartstrings.
The album shows growth in every aspect of the music, yet the lyrics seem to be the biggest area of change. “We have this incredible job, but it’s really transformed the way we live,” explained Cosials. Without a doubt, the adjustment is reflected in the subject matter throughout the album. The production from Jenn Decilvio accentuated the band’s evolution by highlighting the multiple vocal parts and adding a truly masterful touch on the effects chosen. Honesty when dealing with tough emotions is refreshing for a pop outfit, this shall signal exciting changes to come.
One Response
I’d say that since they formed in 2011, Hinds have built up a fanbase who love their boisterous songs, and they could have comfortably stuck out another album in this vein. However on ‘The Prettiest Curse’, they’ve taken their sound and unashamedly experimented with it. They’re all the better for it – not that they need our advice.