Saturday, April 9, 2011

Album Review: "The Huguenots" by The Huguenots


The Huguenots are a four-piece indie-pop band out of Durham. Since 2008 they have entertained crowds in the Triangle with their famously energetic and fun shows, and now you can finally take that energy home on their eponymous debut. Singer Sam Logan has admitted that The Huguenots are a “live band,” but that doesn't mean the band's strengths don't shine through on their album. In particular, Logan is concerned about the band's image. The band has certainly grown a lot from their early demos, and anyone willing to give the album a listen will realize that.


The first tracks on the album are wonderful light-hearted pop, especially “Your Little Nothing,” with lyrics that seem to stick in your head like “And now it's the morning and you're waking up, and it's nothing like you dreamed about.” “When It's Wrong” sets the tone for the album, which is very beachy and has a summer fun feel. “I Would Feel” instantly grabs your attention with it's opening bass-line, to which one might easily envision cruising in a convertible on a sunny day.

The Huguenot's echoey vocals makes it hard to not be reminded of The Love Language. And while the two definitely share some musical characteristics, The Huguenots are decidedly more upbeat and light on their album. This lightness pervades the entire album, from the undeniably Beatles-like sound of “Take Confidence” to the feel-good melodies of “Way We Are.” The album ends on a more sophisticated note, with less pure pop and a little more thoughtfulness, which makes it that much more powerful when it's over. It almost demands a second listen.

Overall The Huguenot's album will leave you satisfied and happier than it found you. It definitely makes me want to see one of their famously good live shows, and whether you're a long-time fan or, like me, you've just learned about them, they are a band that will stay on your radar.

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