Returning with a new album less than a year since the release of the acclaimed 'Laughing Party', It Hugs Back continue to work at their own pace, in their own space and in their own way; satisfying their own desires and defining their own successes, working undeterred and alone in their tiny Kent countryside studio. ‘Recommended Record’ – as a title, it’s a confident statement for the band's third album, their most accomplished, instant and joyful so far; a side-step from the freewheeling jams of their previous release, leaping headlong into a more concentrated pop-group sensibility whilst still maintaining the twists, turns and swerves that characterise the bandʼs sonic adventures. Following the release of ‘Laughing Party’, the band took time off while singer & guitarist Matthew Simms was recording a new album with his “other” band, the historic and influential Wire.
Reconvening It Hugs Back in the summer with a sheaf of new songs at the ready, it quickly became apparent to the band that they had struck upon a new sound and direction, resembling Nirvana playing Steely Dan. Whilst the distinctive hushed vocals and intricate guitar interplay that have become the unmistakable I.H.B. identity remain intact, a fantastic convergence and melding of new influences has emerged; from the pounding garage rock of 'Go Magic!', to the Beatles-y groove of 'Lower', to the almost Kraftwerk-with-guitars style of 'Piano Drone', displaying little trace of the homemade, zero budget recording process.
Reconvening It Hugs Back in the summer with a sheaf of new songs at the ready, it quickly became apparent to the band that they had struck upon a new sound and direction, resembling Nirvana playing Steely Dan. Whilst the distinctive hushed vocals and intricate guitar interplay that have become the unmistakable I.H.B. identity remain intact, a fantastic convergence and melding of new influences has emerged; from the pounding garage rock of 'Go Magic!', to the Beatles-y groove of 'Lower', to the almost Kraftwerk-with-guitars style of 'Piano Drone', displaying little trace of the homemade, zero budget recording process.
TRACK LISTING
01. Sa Sa Sa Sails
02. Go Magic!
03. Sometimes
04. Piano Drone
05. Big Sighs
06. Teenage Hands
07. Lower
08. Waiting Room
09. Skateboard Rhythm
10. Recommend Records