Cults

In early 2010 Cults (the duo of guitarist Brian Oblivion and singer Madeline Follin) posted a single called “Go Outside” that enjoyed some well-deserved buzz. Featuring twinkling glockenspiel, a pulsating beat, layers of echo, and a terminally infectious chorus it’s a catchy and clever tune. And it’s surrounded by enough good material to prove that Cults is no one-hit wonder. The band’s appeal lies with their straightforward approach: basic drum beats, shimmering guitars, and well-placed synths and trippy samples that wrap around Follin’s sunny, sing-along vocals. Her sweet and innocent voice is in contrast to the often snide lyrics that she delivers with the kind of seductive melodrama associated with Motown girl groups and female-fronted Phil Spector creations such as the Ronettes. The other standouts, namely “Abducted,” “Most Wanted,” “Oh My God,” and “Never Heal Myself,” are bouncy and textured and coated in a gauzy sheen that injects just the right amount of mystery to the album. Overall an enjoyable debut that manages to be intriguing while delivering the ear candy.