'Faith' Review: Hurts' new album is defiant, enjoyable and goes beyond the boundaries of synthpop
English synthpop duo Hurts are back and bolder than ever with their new album 'Faith'. Released on September 4, the new LP is Adam Anderson and Theo Hutchcraft's studio album after 2017's 'Desire'.
In a press statement, Hurts' frontman Theo Hutchcraft summed up the album perfectly, “It’s the most complete, coherent, and direct music we’ve ever made. Like some of the best music out there, the most authentic artistry is born out of pain and 'Faith' is an incredible burst of that. The singer reveals that the period after the band's last tour in 2018 was that of mental anguish: “I was physically and mentally absolutely exhausted, to the point where I was at breaking point. I had to stop and not do anything for a while because I couldn’t think, I couldn’t focus, or anything. And I didn’t know what the future held really. I didn’t know if we’d make another album again.”
Upon hitting play on the album's opener, 'Voices', the desperation for escape is felt, but instead of letting you sink into a pit of hopelessness, the track oozes a sense of confidence. The track is powerful and defiant with hard-hitting drums and synth while the vocals empathize with those who feel they can't win with lyrics such as "Say my name. And save me once again. Just say my name. Too far gone. Is this where I belong? Am I too far gone?"
Moving on to 'Fractured' and we see that 'Faith' is not always about inspiration. With a Nine Inch Nails-type adoption of industrial sounds on the beat, 'Fractured' is both metallic and brittle. As aptly described in a statement, the track is "completed with a lyric that is both self-destructive and self-deprecating; the idea that, just below the surface, there could be someone less nicer than you’d like to think." Hurts' multi-instrumentalist Adam Anderson explains, "We always wanted to right a song that felt untamed and one day we just did.”
Sonically, 'Faith' offers a rich variety of styles and textures with each track rightfully getting its own theme: it doesn't bind itself to the limitations of only synth-pop or come off as monotonous. There are also moments where Hutchcraft's vocals are dipped into soul. In 'Slave To Your Love' we hear a subtle trace of George Michael sounds, yet the song is distorted by its outro ripped straight from a horror movie.
The furious 'Somebody' sounds like a powerful pop-rock bop coated by the signature sounds of Hurts. Move on to the infectious 'Numb' and you may find yourself putting the track on repeat. Its dark seductive energy resonates with U2's 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me' albeit more resounding, it's like a kick in the-gut.
One of the album's biggest highlights has to be 'Redemption': a stunning ballad that really showcases Hutchcraft's vocal talent. Over piano and strings, Hutchcraft croons earnestly with lyrics like, "I've never been this far from peace. I'm disappearing out of reach again. In my head, in my heart. There's a hollow that's starting to show. It's the poison that fills up the void. And it's taking a hold," before a booming orchestral outro.
'Faith' is an honest and formidable mix of songs that many can find relating to its lyrics and with music that is arresting and easily replayable. We highly recommend Hurts' powerful new album, 'Faith'.