Static
Only Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion know the truth. But the two of them—who ended their romantic partnership sometime before the making of Cults\' second album, 2013’s *Static*—certainly know how to turn a bad situation into captivating listening for their audience. The duo’s gorgeous Wall of Sound–style pop (part Phil Spector, part gothic Cure) resonates positively, while the perceived emotional devastation turns lyrics like “Should have took the high road/Now my days have all turned black” into the voice for every devastated ex-lover. Considering how well these two work together musically, it’s a wonder whether their pain is directed at each other or the *idea* of loss and failure. A final song like “No Hope,” wrapped as it is in thick reverb and multitracked vocal layers, comes across less like a cry for help than an artful, natural ending to a story with no winners. Follin’s deliberately stoic delivery either distances itself from the truth, provides a sense of ironic dissonance, or steels her frazzled nerves. In either case, “We’ve Got It” throws out a hook and an ebullient bounce worthy of happier times.
Released after extensive touring, Cults' sophomore album sidesteps presumptions about a rising, major-label band and finds contentment not in what they could be, but what they are right now. And that's moodier, louder, more atmospheric.
For all of Cults' inner turmoil, Static is remarkably of a piece with their debut.
Fortunately or unfortunately for Cults, the release of the duo's much-anticipated second album is going to be clouded with…
Cults continue to marry cool-kitsch '50s diner, Motown R&B, girl-group glitz, and other reverb-drenched elements with dense and modern electronic production, and it continues to be a solid combo.
Static has a heavy heart, presenting a band with not only a better understanding of their music, but of each other as human beings.
Review of "Static" the upcoming album from 'Cults'. "Static" comes out on October 24th via Columbia Records. 'Cults' play live on October 22nd in Boston, MA
The second album from New York's Cults delivers joyous songs through gritted teeth, and makes good lyrical work of the duo's real-life breakup, writes <strong>Dave Simpson</strong>