In spite of that earnest, staunch reliance on its blueprint, TPOBPAH’s debut full-length is refreshingly watertight throughout.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart proves itself to be a rare work capable of holding its own against its obvious influences. Regardless of whether the band goes down the same rocky road towards mediocrity as so many of their predecessors, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart have crafted a debut for the ages.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart can easily be at the forefront of this scene because, simply put, they have the best hooks.
Like plenty of other bands in the internet era, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart seem poised to attract an audience that will far outstrip that of their easily identifiable precedents-- in their case, groups like Rocketship or Shop Assi
stants, each obscure these days even by Approved Indie Influence standards. A few other twee/noise-pop revivalists arguably pulled off that same trick last year, but Pains of Being Pure at Heart are likely to appeal to listeners beyond online name-droppers and Brooklyn scenesters.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have crafted an impeccable debut way beyond their years, and any misconceptions about them being mere revivalists of a scene only their elders could recall at first hand will surely be diminished instantaneously upon hearing this most accomplished of long players.
As the last guitar howls into a feedback screaming scree, the album comes to a stop with the perfect finality, and it all felt like - if not a first rate debut album - a cracking, smart exemplar of achingly pretty things to come from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.
It’s much more than the sum of its parts and too effortlessly effervescent to be studied. Pure indie-pop to hold close to your heart.
A little more variation from song to song, a little more of their own sound, or another song or two as compelling as the best stuff here and the POBPAH's debut would have been classic. Settling for impressive is fair enough and good enough for fans of loud, fuzzy, and heartfelt indie noise pop.
Anyone convinced that the C86 bands represent a nadir of tweeness will hate it - while anyone who thinks that Britpop and dance music ruined indie will fall hopelessly in love.
All told it’s a slightly patchy album, but one which is nonetheless savedby a couple of pop gems.
Crafting a "singular" sound is as idealistic as the next musical virtue, but this album -- the band's debut -- is glaringly commonplace.
Ah, another installment of the eternal quandary:
Is this album Shoegaze or Dream Pop?
I'll tell you what it is! ... ok, maybe I can't yet tell the difference, but it's a jolly good time! Go check it out!
Highlights: Contender, ☆Young Adult Friction☆, The Tenure Itch, This Love Is Fucking Right!, Stay Alive, Everything With You, A Teenager In Love, Gentle Sons
What a special little record this is. Simple, nostalgic shoegaze blanketing an absolutely delightful show of pop hooks and endearing duel vocals. It's just adorable.
If The Smiths made shoegaze, it would sound kind of like this.
Favorite: Stay Alive
Least Favorite: Hey Paul
one of my absolute favorites. call it shoegaze, call it noise rock, call it dream pop, one thing is true: this thing slaps. the melodies are delicious, the vocal harmonies (somewhat sparse but so tasty when they kick in) are delectable. the guitar work is impeccable, a wonderful fuzzy yet bright tone. great pacing, great songwriting, just a really enjoyable album to listen to, no matter the situation.
Bursting with charm and sweet, catchy hooks.
*Young Adult Friction; Stay Alive; A Teenager in Love
1 | Contender 2:35 | 85 |
2 | Come Saturday 3:13 | 90 |
3 | Young Adult Friction 4:03 | 94 |
4 | This Love Is Fucking Right! 3:11 | 93 |
5 | The Tenure Itch 3:41 | 88 |
6 | Stay Alive 4:52 | 87 |
7 | Everything with You 2:55 | 86 |
8 | A Teenager in Love 3:19 | 93 |
9 | Hey Paul 1:59 | 78 |
10 | Gentle Sons 4:30 | 86 |
#4 | / | Amazon |
#5 | / | No Ripcord |
#14 | / | Cokemachineglow |
#15 | / | Treble |
#19 | / | A.V. Club |
#19 | / | Pitchfork |
#20 | / | PopMatters |
#20 | / | Stereogum |
#23 | / | The Line of Best Fit |
#36 | / | Drowned in Sound |