HINDS - The Prettiest Curse

HINDS inevitably had to delay the release of their third studio album, The Prettiest Curse. Having set their campaign up perfectly with the release of four very diverse singles, the Spanish quartet were determined to show that there was a lot more to their sound than the lo-fi indie rock that they explored on their first first two studio albums. Having often been unfairly critiqued by the music press for their looks and presentation as opposed to their sounds, they have approached this record with a different approach. While the four singles showed that the group were still faithful to a lo-fi indie sound, they fearlessly added depth and range of instrumentation to craft their biggest sound to date.



Aptly titled The Prettiest Curse, there is no denying that this is a pop record with indie leanings, which is the inverse of their first two releases. Bringing more of their Spanish sound into the mix too, they are setting themselves apart from their contemporaries. Although comparisons to The Strokes and Sunflower Bean are still inevitable, the content of The Prettiest Curse should finally allow the quartet to be seen for their own merits.

With the albums first two singles, Good Bad Times and Riding Solo showing that the group are determined to play the pop game on their own terms, they deliver the often explored contrast of upbeat anthem with melancholic lyrics, but in Hinds hands, this is delivered with a nonchalant fire. While Riding Solo does suffer from similarities to M.I.A's Paper Planes, Riding Solo delivers a stand-out moment.

Joining Riding Solo in the album stand-outs is most recent single, Just Like Kids (Miau), however, this is not an album that only has solid radio singles and filler. Boy and Take Me Back may not have the radio leaning needed for a single, but they will certainly be repeated plays. 

Having re-defined their sound, HINDS have cleverly not left behind their key features. The Prettiest Curse is bolder, but a throughline can be seen from earlier releases.