Never Trust A Happy Song was produced by the band's own Ryan Rabin and comes on the heels of their acclaimed, self-titled EP released earlier this year. Heralded by NME as one of the "Best New Bands of 2010," Grouplove closed last year touring the U.S. with The Joy Formidable and being handpicked to open a number of West Coast dates for Florence + The Machine. Since then, the band has been on the road nearly non-stop in support of their self-titled debut EP, released in January via Canvasback Music. SPIN declared Grouplove "a band to watch in 2011" and called their track "Colours" "one of the most infectious songs you're bound to hear" while NPR described their music as "wild, thrilling and above all joyful noise."
D**.
Really growing on me
I heard Grouplove for the first time in a Dentist's office. A patient requested it to help her calm down for her root canal. Anyway, I thought they sounded catchy, so when I saw the album for $2.99 I decided to give it a shot. It's got a great youthful sound, and the songs are diverse. If I had a convertible and lived in a sunny place I would play this with the top down, it's that kind of music. Upbeat (mostly), catchy, and generally happy.**Updated 1/10/12**I haven't listened to this much since I wrote the first part of my review. I got tired of it fairly quickly, it just doesn't have much staying power for me.
K**O
Surprisingly Addictive
This band came out of nowhere by a suggestion on my kindle. I sifted through and listened to all the samples and put it aside. The next day I couldn't stop thinking about a few of the sample songs! The next chance I got I purchased the album. Each song is unlike the next. Each has its own sound and flow while still carrying the feel of a solid album. Though each song has this infectious and upbeat happiness to it, many use that to shoulder some powerful lines such as Colors: "He shot himself, self. There's blood on the wall 'cause he couldn't face the truth." Yet the songs chorus is, "It's the colors you haveNo need to be sad. It really ain't that bad."It's a refreshing type of sound. I encourage you to give it a listen even if it is simply browsing the available samples. In any case, 2.99 for the stunning quality of this album is a damn steal.
V**2
A little bit let down, but good.
This is just my opinion. I bought the CD because I really liked the first 4 tracks. Upon listening to it, I really like other tracks as well. The songs get stuck in my head all the time! The bad news is it gets really old after the first few listens because all the songs use the same elements, almost to the point of sounding same-y. I'm still happy I have this album, the songs are all good, but it gets old quickly.
A**R
Kickass
Kickass
J**H
Great album
Would highly recommend this album to anyone wanting to listen to some good music.
A**S
<3
Amazing album!!< Pre-order Healer now >
A**.
Finally something worth listening to...
In a world where hip-hop-pop and bubblegum robot music seems to rule the airwaves, it's nice to hear an actual band that plays real instruments, creates great music and manages to NOT fall flat after the first 2 songs of the album. Grouplove, to me, is somewhat reminicent to Radiohead mixed with some of The Format and a touch of Nada Surf. Songs like "Colours" and "Close Your Eyes..." hit hard to satisfy your rock&roll craving while "Tongue Tied" and "Naked Kids" blend in some alternative/indie flair without sugarcoating your ears with excessive pop crap. "Chloe" is like a lovers' anthem as the band belts out the chorus in unison and "Slow" has this techno 80's beat underlining the melodic, lighter-swaying lyrics...Plain and simple: It's an amazing album from a outstanding band that'll go great in any music lovers collection.
S**N
If you like the band, you'll love the album
You know what you're getting. If you search them up on youtube and listen to them and you like them, you might as well buy the album because it'll make you fall in love with them. They have a scratchy kind of noise, but you should already know that before you buy it. Plus, it's a great deal, money wise.
T**Y
Harmonious California Sun and Great Tunes
I got this on pre release based on the strength of their first EP simply called `Grouplove'. It is just summer, fun and soaring vocals that bring a smile to your face. It opens with `Itchin on a photograph', which sets the scene with hand claps opening onto a full throttle harmonious bout of sing along danceable fun. Hannah Hooper does great backing (and lead) vocals, and all the artwork too. Mind you all six contribute and they really do enjoy their performance.Track 2 `Tongue Tied' is equally up and poppy - and make no mistake experimental this aint. It is the sort of thing that makes you want to sing and dance along, which in my case tends to annoy anyone within ear shot. There is no lyric sheet and you don't need it as everything is very clear and unchallenging, which some will see as a criticism, but this is escapist fun and full of positivity and good times. `Lovely Cup' is one I remember them playing when I saw them at `Latitude Festival' and it sounds as good on record, and it is followed by `Colours' which was the opener on their previous EP. Now a mate of mine said that was a bit pants as it means buying the same song twice. However there are only two tracks from that EP, the other is the brrrilliant `Naked Kids' and as there are 12 songs here, we are actually getting ten new ones. So glass a load more than half full in my books.Track 5 has Hannah do the lead vocals and takes the pace down a tad, but in a nice change of pace way that keeps up the momentum with some lovely atmospheric bells and soaring guitar. Fans of mandolin will love `Spun', this gets us back on track with the driving bass lines and if one were being honest, simplistic lyrics, that are delivered in an effortless way that few can match. I love `Cruel and Beautiful World' the penultimate track, this is a slower one still has their fingerprints all over it especially when they get to the chorus. It closes with `Close Your Eyes'; and this is one that will leave you wanting more. All in all a great follow up and a welcome and impressive debut album, just do yourself a favour and go get this - it will remind you of the summer you wanted to have had and if you get the chance go see them live too - they are superb.
D**T
Great album, upbeat with a twist
I just love this bands sound. Track for track this album is great. It's feel good but has a bit of a twist with Christians screaming adding a bit of edge near the end of some songs which just lifts the song even more. My favourite would have to be Itchin' On A Photograph. Well worth buying the album :)
A**R
Five Stars
Absolutely love this CD, great quality and fast delivery. Couldn't fault it.
D**D
Awesome album
I first heard Grouplove on radio 6. They are truly awesome. They have such a happy cool vibe going on. We went to see them live and it captured all the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the album. Definitely give it a go.
G**M
Recommended by a friend
Good solid album, and I don't want to skip any of the tracks. A little bit light for my taste, but means the kids like it too!
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