Artist: Hooverphonic
Title: The Night Before
Genre: Dream Pop / Electronica
Release Date: 17th June 2011
Label: SonyBMG
Album Review
Belgian HOOVERPHONIC in their beginnings in 1995 had their roots in trip-hop but soon encompassed many more styles; it wasn’t long either for them to became well known. Last year their vocalist, Geike Arnaert, left to pursue her own solo area and the band has replaced her with Noémie Wolfs. Their forthcoming album, ‘The Night Before’, is her first with HOOVERPHONIC, thus even more anticipated by many. They might have had a foretaste if they’ve seen the videos for ‘Anger Never Dies’ or ‘The Night Before’ - though that video seems available only in some countries so far. Wolfs’ voice is in some ways lighter and clearer than Anaert’s, but they’re not too different from each other to change the sound of the band in a surprising and unrecognisable way, on the other hand different enough for Wolfs to make her own mark.
‘Anger Never Dies’ won’t remind you of James Bond movie by name alone, but also by its music, albeit it’s not a carbon copy of the famous melody enough so one is able to find something new and charming in it. The said video is set in a club-like environment (no smoking ban!), most of the songs seem to be able to evoke club, cabaret, café ambience with melancholy emotions and memories wrapped in smoke, crumpled bed sheets, coffee and alcohol... and are very cinematic. The next ‘The Night Before’ is both upbeat and yet still moody. Throughout the album they use strings wonderfully to give the music dusky and nostalgic atmosphere. Both songs are memorable with their catchy melodies and hooks and will stay with you for a while, so no wonder that they were chosen to represent the album.
‘Heartbroken’ as the title promises is an emotive song that is again replaced by a more upbeat sounding song. ‘More’ is impressive with its string beginning, underlined by deep mourn of the cello and the whole song is marvellously layered. ‘George’s Café’ also adds wind instruments, which is wonderful. ‘The Night Before’ is a highly enjoyable album; the songs are rich and atmospheric, beautiful, each has a lot going for it, together the album seems smooth and superbly composed. A sure recommend.
Tracklist
01. Anger Never Dies – 3.30
02. The Night Before – 2.48
03. Heartbroken – 2.47
04. Norwegian Stars – 3.09
05. More – 2.36
06. One Two Three – 3.00
07. George’s Café – 3.49
08. Identical Twin – 2.38
09. Encoded Love – 3.28
10. How Can You Sleep – 3.50
11. Sunday Afternoon – 3.25
12. Danger Zone – 3.06
Line-up
Noémie Wolfs – Vocals
Alex Callier – Keyboards, bass
Raymond Geerts – Guitar
Websites
http://www.hooverphonic.com
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 10
Total: 9.5 / 10
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