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Future Hearts [LP]
Barnes and Noble
Future Hearts [LP]
Current price: $14.39
Barnes and Noble
Future Hearts [LP]
Current price: $14.39
Size: CD
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Having returned to their indie label roots with 2012's
,
build upon that album's no-nonsense power pop vibe with their equally infectious 2015 effort
. Somewhat more ambitious in scope, with a bit more studio polish than
finds
moving from one catchy, high-energy track to the next. While they handled production duties quite well on
, here they reunite with producer
, who previously helmed the group's 2011
swan song,
.
, who has contributed to works by such varied pop artists as
, and
, doesn't tinker too much with the group's punk-pop approach, and simply helps the band achieve a slick consistency as they move across styles from driving emo-rock ("Kicking and Screaming") and folkie, mandolin-infused acoustic balladry ("Missing You") to buoyant dance-rock ("Dancing with a Wolf"). The album is also punctuated by several well-curated guest appearances, with
's
jumping on board for the epic, midtempo anthem "Tidal Waves," and
lending his So-Cal croon to the punchy and hummable "Bail Me Out." Admittedly, there are fewer hard-rocking moments on
, and cuts like
-esque "Runaways" and the passionate, radio-ready "Cinderblock Garden," while rife with distorted electric guitar riffs, find the band counterbalancing the move away from punk rock swagger by leaning heavily on mature songcraft. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that lead singer
's paper-crisp, on-point vocals are balanced perfectly in the mix, with almost every track making room for plenty of sparkling harmonies. Ultimately, with
have delivered an almost perfect blend of stadium-ready fist pumpers, ballads, and fuel-injected pop hits. ~ Matt Collar