Indie rock's love affair with adoring homages to the past and recycling retro sounds is still going strong. NYC's The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have constructed their sound by slathering their pop nuggets with huge helpings of Brit-based shoegaze and 90's alt-rock. Their 2009 self-titled debut on Slumberland Records had the right balance with catchy songs, obscured vocals, hazy feedback and a lively tempo to get lots of attention. Two years later brings Belong featuring a squeaky clean production and a clarity that gives the band a bit of confidence to turn down the fuzz, switch up their cadence and try new methods of delivery.
The Pains put their best foot forward on Belong by lining up the hit singles right at the beginning. "Belong" is a rolling jam sourcing Smashing Pumpkins so accurately all that is missing is Billy Corgan's nasally squeal. The rockers "Heaven's Gonna Happen Now" and "Heart In Your Heartbreak" bring the goods with power chords and synth fills buoyed by the precious lead vocals. However, the rest of the album is a middling effort with each song lacking a distinct identity and most having forgettable and flimsy lyrics. One redeemable track is the surf fuzz of "Girl Of 1,000 Dreams" where they quickly make their case as serious guitar heroes but could do for a little more attitude. Ultimately, it is the super slick production that actually hinders Belong where a bit of raw energy and inspired imperfection might actually give these recordings a little more heart.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart will be playing two shows on May 27 and 28 with Twin Shadow and Weakness at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. At press time, tickets were still available for tonight's show here.
Bonus: Stream the entire album and watch the video for "Heart In Your Heartbreak" below.
Purchase Belong here: CD | Vinyl | mp3
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong (full album)
