aaamusic | On 13, Mar 2011

Brooklin quartet The Pains Of being Pure At Heart distinguished themselves not only for the longest and loveliest band name, but especially for their mastery in representing all the magic of 80s twee-pop in a new and reinvigorating light.

Their first eponymous album and numerous EPs and singles anointed TPOBPAH as one of the most influenced and at the same time influential bands of the late noughties.

Now Kip and friends come back with sophomore album ‘Belong’, a product more mature and consequently less ‘lo-fi’ and naive than its predecessors.

The comparisons go back to the same bands, from Pale Saints to Lilys, with that shoegazey atmosphere coming from MBV and Slowdive echoes. Nonetheless, the magic touch of Flood and Alan Moulder gives a more intense and multi-layered sound, altogether with some flaws here and there.

The new TPOBPAH sound sometimes overproduced especially for whom, like the writer of this review, has followed the band since the first steps. The ‘new’ Corgan-ish sound doesn’t always suit these New-Yorkers, as in second single ‘Belong’. Moreover, first single ‘Heart in The Heartbreak’ doesn’t manage to strike with its predictable refrain.

This doesn’t mean that ‘Belong’ is a step backwards in the advance towards the greats of indie-pop. On the contrary; first, because TPOBPAH are already among the greatest; second, because the rest of the album is a collection of gems that are not to be missed, from the grandiose ballad ‘The Body’ to ‘Too Tough’, a jewel of intensity.

We’re sure that ‘Belong’ will initially struggle to conquer the heart of the fan-base, but this is just because every indie-fanatic is by definition incredibly nostalgic. With time though, this album will be remembered as the consecration of this beautifully melancholic band.

Author: Lorenzo Coretti