MP3: Shout Out Louds - Tonight I have to leave it
It's true: the new Shout Out Louds record "Our ill wills" sounds a lot like The Cure. A lot. Trouble is, I've never been much of a Cure fan, hence I'm not that into it. It's fine for what it is, I guess. It doesn't provoke any strong reactions, the worst I can say is that I'm indifferent. However, there are still a few standout tracks - opening number and lead single "Tonight I have to leave it" is by far the best, but I also can get behind "You are dreaming" and especially the closer "Hard rain". In fact, I was strongly considering posting the latter but I don't want to bother with any of the C&D BS that comes with posting unauthorized tracks from a high-profile release. Like the other high points, the sound is very much influenced by producer Björn Yttling, especially in terms of percussion. "Tonight..." gets steel drums (I think?) and "Hard rain" has what sounds to me like pitched cowbells. They're subtle, but it makes a big difference. It's those little things that make Björn such a sought-after talent. I'm also a big fan of that nostalgic vibe I get from the song. "The words came like a hard rain / And your smile changed like a hurricane / Your breath smells like cardamom / And the words came like a hard rain" It's the incorporation of smell that gets me. Indian spices are just that vivid.
Shout Out Louds - Tonight I have to leave it