Hurts is a duo from the current British creative hotbed of Manchester, made up of singer Theo Hutchcraft and synth player Adam Anderson. Noticed early on by Guardian.co.uk and featured as its “Band of the Day” in July 2009. Hurts also garnered the very impressive nod from BBC as the #4 act to watch in its “Sound of 2010″ poll. All of this formal praise and acclaim aside, what really matters is that they live up to the hype. Let me assure you that they do much more than live up to their hype, they blow all expectations out of the water. From intensely vivid lyrics, that pull at your emotions from every direction; to music that is all-consuming and richly layered, Hurts creates music that is simply this: GORGEOUS.
I was fortunate to get the album while traveling in Spain, which with plenty of long plane rides, enabled me to listen to the album quite thoroughly, but didn’t leave me the time to craft the proper post the whole album deserved. So after some time to settle back into DC, I am able to share Happiness with you all. We have showed you the visually stunning videos and beautiful singles, ‘Better Than Love‘ and ‘Wonderful Life‘, which unlike some artists, were by no means the extent of the quality music on the album.
‘Unspoken‘ – Gut-wrenching, honest lyrics about love’s light slipping away. Filled with violins, and a rich orchestral feeling, that is by far more than one would ever expect from a duo that is one half synth. “But it’s the same old situation/We made it through this far./Oh./We watched the rockets kiss the sky./I saw the flames burn out in your eyes./Nothing that I do/Will ever be enough for you/Whatever I do, whatever I do./Take me as I am/I’ll never be the other man.”
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‘Devotion‘ – All the things never uttered, but certainly always thought at times in any relationship. How do I keep my devotion during the times less happy? Theo and Kylie’s voice are perfect counterpoints, haunting and full of emotion. “Devotion save me now/i don’t wanna stray from the hallow ground/i’ll turn temptation down/i’m asking you to take me to safety this time”
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‘Silver Lining‘ – The story of intense loyalty and devotion are beautifully told with lyrics as beautiful as provoking. Music tinged with hope and faint sorrow. “When the World surrounds you, I’ll make it go away/Paint the sky with silver lining./I will try to save you, cover up the grey/With silver lining./Now there’s no way back from the things you’ve done/I know it’s too late to stop the setting sun./You see the shadows in the distant light”
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Happiness explores the deeper, more subtle meanings of what it means to have happiness and to be happy. There are songs on this album that examine the intense devotion and protection that comes with deep love. Songs that take through the pain and agony of realizing the love you had is lost. There are songs that remind you that through the pain, devotion, and struggle, it is in the middle of all this that you have happiness, hopefully, you are able to realize it.
Few album are made with this level of care and talent and well worth the $25.00 import price, and absolutely worth the £6.99. PLEASE support these guys, they are incredible and well worth the investment.
