Harlem 'Hippies' Album Review

 

         So recently I have been on the hunt for new danceable, fun, lo-fi music, similar to what I listened to when I was in high school as I have been stuck in an indie folk rut for about the past two years.  Nick Drake, The Leisure Society and Bon Iver have their place, but right now I need something more youthful and frankly something a bit less depressing.  Thankfully, I have found the perfect album to fill this void in my current music collection.  Said album is from Austin's rebellious indie garage rock trio, Harlem, who haven't officially released an album since 2008. Harlem's sophomore album, Hippies, was released state-side today on Matador Records (it will be out at the end of the month in the UK), though this album has been the talk of the blogosphere for months.  The album consists of 16 post punk/indie pop songs, with just two exceeding the three minute mark.  

       

         The album's first track, 'Someday Soon,'  sets the tone for the rest of the album with its simple lo-fi garage rock charm, 50s pop rock influence, and high pitched vocals.  Each of the songs has a distinctively childish appeal, which is both frantic and upbeat and compliments the slightly scratchy sound of the album.  This is most noticeable in songs like 'Friendly Ghost' and 'Number One.'  My favourite song on the album has be to 'Be Your Baby' as I am such a sucker for the cutesy 50s vibe.  At the moment, this is my ideal song for an indie pop dance party.  The most exciting song on the album is 'Faces', which is both fun and manic.   Another must listen track is 'Gay Human Bones,' whose upbeat swagger manages to distract the listener from the almost incomprehensible lyrics.

        There is nothing really remarkable or new about Harlem's Hippies.  It is just straight forward garage rock goodness, not bold or experimental, but I think that is precisely what I like about it.  While I am busy trying to understand the appeal of Animal Collective or Grizzly Bear, I can sit back and enjoy this album.  So if you too are tired of pretentious 'hipster' indie rock, I recommend you give Hippies a listen, dance around, and relive your youth.   

Check them out here.

~Casey Shea