It’s been three years and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are back with their new album, Days of Abandon. It’s sweet, amiable and it’s filled with so much energy. The New York-based band have poured in everything they’ve collected during the years and it’s so worth spending an afternoon with Days of Abandon on repeat.
Days of Abandon opens with “Art Smock,” and it’s invigorating. It’s a slow-paced track that begins to unravel The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s genuine emotions—magnetically. Kip Berman’s vocals are soft, clear and paired with the that sweet-sounding guitar, it’s a wonderful start to the album. It hooks you in and eases those muscles. Want to relax? Just listen.
Let’s not forget those beautiful harmonies; depicting the honest lyrics throughout. It’s all dulcet and as I’m writing this, I’m humming along. It’s ornamented beautifully. The subtle keys are truly precious in making this track radiate.
Following is “Simple and Sure,” which is energetic and filled with so much that I cannot even begin to properly explain the elements infused in this song. It’s a wild ride. The vocals are beyond quality—the best. It captures the band’s essence. Everything is solid. It starts off catchy and upbeat, and then magically unveils itself to be full of electronic pick-me-ups and glimmering synths. It ends in the best way humanly possible—which is still sad because the song it over, but there’s always repeat.
“Kelly,” soon follows and it’s one of the best. The keys provide such a lovely melody. The rhythms contained on this track make this song have firm ground. Days of Abandon is great and we’re not even half-way there!
Another track, “Beautiful You,” comforts beyond belief. Musically, it’s one of the best songs The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have produced and is six minutes of what makes this band worth hearing and seeing. “Coral and Gold,” is another great masterpiece. It starts off slow-paced then for a brief moment, it’s loud and on a run. I absolutely love the guitar here; it’s as if it’s central to the story. The call and responses vocal melodies are fantastic.
One track you should also have on repeat (and then the whole album) is “Eurydice.” It’s an adventure within the many dimensions of the band’s electrifying energy. I’m one hundred percent sure that this song is unforgettable live.
Towards the end The Pains of Being at Heart introduce “Until The Sun Explodes.” It’s a heavy reminder of what first hooked you in the beginning. Those keys. That guitar. That baseline. Percussion. Oh and the vocals, it’s all exhilarating!
Days of Abandon closes with “The Asp at My Chest,” is a heartfelt end to a perfect morning, afternoon or evening of listening. Berman’s vocals are precious. That subtle horn is a salute I will certainly not forget. Days of Abandon is rich. It’s pure. Hopefully my first time doing a pun was great. Maybe not, but this album certainly is and you should get it. And if you have the chance, see The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on tour as well!
Rating: 5/5
http://thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com/