Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song

Things have finally come full circle for this little old blog of mine. Back in March I posted here a little bit of giddy praise for an EP that had come out last year, spawning several of my favourite playlist inclusions this year (particularly 'Don't Say Oh Well'). But enough ego boosting, I have a band to rave about. Hopefully. Borrowing just the two of their EP tracks for this, their debut LP, Grouplove have set out to inject buoyancy and vitality into a predominantly sour-faced indie scene.

The album begins with clapping and twee basslines on 'Itchin' on a Photograph', a brash and blustery vocal assault that teeters uncertainly between youthful and irritating thanks to Christian Zucconi's nasal delivery, but is backed promisingly by a gripping chorus and climactic instrumentals. Any uncertainty about their poppy sounds are washed away though in 'Tongue Tied', a sugary-sweet anthem that exclaims "don't wave no goodbye!" with raw energy. They tentatively reverse into a more restrained environment on 'Lovely Cup', though retaining their knack for hooks and sublime choruses.


'Colours' was available on their self-titled EP and as such isn't anything new to me, but is apparently set to be featured on the new FIFA soundtrack (if that's out yet or not is beyond me. I gave up video games years ago). The outfit then try their hand at pathos on 'Slow', an electronic indulgence of exaggerated guitar solos and rasping vocals from Hannah Hooper, that's quite a pleasant surprise. The band then use up another EP track, 'Naked Kids', an immediately predictable but nice detour through some Juno soundtrack derivatives.

They certainly emulate a wide variety of contemporary alternative-pop acts; there's an air of Dog Days Are Over behind 'Spun', before a shouting-folk chorus kicks in to add yet another catchy tune to their already long list. There's then an air of a Eurovision ballad about 'Betty's Bomb Shell', with its "it's a sunny day, we will go away on a holiday" lyrics and ever-optimistic instrumentals. The Fratellis are then mimicked on 'Chloe' with its staccato riffs and pub-rock chants throughout, but the track suffers from a lack of individuality.

The band also aim for stadium heights with the Edge-tinged riffs of 'Love Will Save Your Soul', an attempt at trying to drown out all sorrows that fails on account of its own sickliness. I'm partial to a lot of happy-pop, but at times the band seem to be confusing themselves with the cast of Glee. They thankfully pull in the reins for 'Cruel and Beautiful World', a folk-pop ballad that gently asserts "there's a song inside this heart of mine" (say cheese). To finish, 'Close Your Eyes And Count to Ten' literally howls their way out of the room with triumph, fusing 90s Britpop sounds with 60s romantic balladry.


Whether it's because I have Freshers' flu or it's because I'm a little bit skint, there's something a little grating about the optimism and excitement behind Grouplove's debut record - because usually I'd lap it up. They've undeniably got a talent for a catchy tune, but at times this verges on the Mika levels of insanity. But for a debut record there's consistency and a bundle of memorable tunes, so job well done.

Rating: 7/10
Highlights: Spun, Colours, Slow, Cruel and Beautiful World, Tongue Tied, Lovely Cup
Avoid: Chloe, Love Will Save Your Soul

Artwork Watch: It's a bit 'The Pains of Being Pure at Heart' isn't it?
For fans of: Alphabeat, Noah and the Whale, Scissor Sisters