Even though it's a pretty shitty time of year weather-wise, and things are still grim in many ways for a host of other reasons, the new album from Hard Feelings made me feel like dancing. That's such an odd thing for me to say but Hard Feelings, out today via Domino, did the trick.
Featuring Joe Goddard of Hot Chip and Amy Douglas, this duo has made a record for the imagined dream disco in your head. The whole album percolates with purposes, and offers up a lot of great, throwback stuff. "Love Scenes" is slinky and elegant, even as "Running Out of Time" is even better. This one features vocals from Amy Douglas which recall those of Alison Moyet and Cathy Dennis, even as the keyboards behind her echo those from the acid house days. This is no excuse to indulge in nostalgia, but a chance to update beloved forms for a new century. Elsewhere, "Holding On Too Long", an epic, reflective dancefloor anthem, shares space next to "About Us" here. This is an emotive jam, full of genuine heart, and a natural dexterity of purpose that calls to mind the best singles from Goddard's own Hot Chip in earlier years.
Hard Feelings is out today via Domino.
More details on Hard Feelings via the official website.
[Photo: Pooneh Ghana]