Album: Hurts - Happiness

We've had copies of all sorts of sounds from the 70's and 80's. Joy division's unique vogue has been repeated in the sounds of Interpol and The Editors. The Cure's pleasant indie sound was the inspiration of the likes of Bloc Party and such. I could go on. But what I'm getting at is - Its been done. But has it? Yes, the electro, indie and general modern rock scene has all come from the 80's. BUT 80's crossovers are few and far between. Hurts have managed to create the polished style and sound of Roxy Music, whilst venturing into new romantic lyrics and music.

They've been on the lips of any new music enthusiast and critic since early 2009. Appearing in newspapers and having interviews. Until the hype machine packed in and they disappeared until BBCs Sound of 2010 list, finishing an impressive 4th. They built up anticipation for their album that was released last week. Happiness is an album about how relationships or lack of really affect people. It doesn't dance around heartbreak with merry rhymes and sing about love like its mans greatest gift. Happiness should be called 'suicidal tendencies due to women being so cruel'.

Never mind. Because they do it incredibly! Radio has allowed the track 'Wonderful Life' to be brought into the mainstream and not so much, its superior single 'Better than love'. Which talk about sex and failing relationships from a sometimes bi-sexual stand point. Bringing these songs in a mainstream isn't a bad thing for once. Because its a very poppy sound.

The stand out songs from the album are 'Blood, tears and gold', 'Illuminated' and 'Devotion'. A song that shows the pop potential for the band, featuring Kylie Minogue, but not as you know her. She sings a heart felt verse with words that echo sadness and affairs. "I feel so ashamed. Right now you seem so far away".

The thing that fascinates me is the really clever marketing on Spotify. Simply type in A5M4 into the search bar and begin your journey into author Joe Stretch's dark (and fitting) interactive audio book, narrated by Anna Friel. Telling the story of a woman with a gun, a story that leads wherever you want in a sexually and emotionally confusing world. In the background is Hurts music. Simply Brilliant!

It's a truly unique album for the time. But I cant help think its a bit... boy band. Maybe. Excellent effort nonetheless and worthy of the awards I'm sure they will win over the next year. So buy it.

Here is a song you may not be familiar with - Blood, Tears and Gold. A video that sums them up pretty much.