New York-based Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion aren’t just sugary pop duo Cults, they were also lovers, but this has recently changed. Static is not just a farewell record, it’s a break-up record: perfectly channelling both sides of their split, but sadly putting a hold on Cults for the foreseeable future.
The pair first brought us their debut self-titled album in 2011. Static however sees them leave behind the twinkling dream pop haze of tracks like ‘Go Outside’ and other xylophone-based gems in favour of darker, more serious coming-of-age tracks.
The fact that they are creatively and quite literally parting ways adds additional intrigue to the aura of the record, and has manifested itself into their sound, pushing starry-eyed optimism out of the door. Second track in ‘I Can Hardly Make You Mine’ flows with that particularly surf-oriented strain of classic-but-treated rock that Best Coast do so well. Paired with shimmering synths and the scrummy vocals of cutie pie vocalist Follin, it has hit written all over it.
‘Always Forever’ is soothing and raw: “We could stay alone//together.” ‘High Road’ follows on in much the same tone, but is laced with a stinging, bittersweet taste. ‘Were Before’ treats us to an intimate back-and-forth vocal arrangement from both Follin and Oblivion, sounding tender and heart-rending.
‘So Far’ and final track ‘No Hope’ are charged, powerful numbers and finish the record on a high. What Cults do best is to skilfully unionise and pay homage to the past while weaving in the best from the current zeitgeist. Every track here sounds familiar but incredibly fresh all at once as a result. Static is a natural progression for them, and they have lost none of their original charm. Get set to be wowed and moved by this incredible collection of raw and incredibly personal love songs.
Its great how their companionship still comes through in interviews. For instance, their Nylon magazine interview seems like nothing but fun while discussing their creative processes http://www.nylonmag.com/articles/cults-interview-2013
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