ALBUM REVIEW: Hiss – Clean Cut Kid
From Liverpool we have lo-fi quartet, CLEAN CUT KID, who return with their fourth album Hiss. After debuting on a major pop label in 2017, the band have decided to return to their roots with a record filled with tracks recorded in a home studio, a decision that gave them complete song-writing and creative control of their music. It was also mastered by Joe LaPorta (BOWIE, THE WEEKND, FOO FIGHTERS), and what we’re left with is an album filled with vulnerabilities, stories and lyrics that will both astound and pull at your heart strings.
Opening with Our Wasted Hours, we are greeted with an acoustic guitar and roughly-recorded vocals that are reminiscent of those of PASSENGER. The song builds as other instruments are added to the mix; throw in some jazz elements and unique vocal runs and what we end up with is a lovely, chilled song. She Takes A Pill continues the trend of being comforting and calming. It’s lovely to listen to, with gentle instruments that make you feel relaxed and happy. It’s like a warm, comforting blanket. Even when the album switches to something more upbeat where you’re more likely to bop your head along – we’re looking at you Little Blank Space – that warm, glowing feeling remains. Another thing to take away is the beautiful harmonies of male and female vocals from Mike and Evelyn Halls.
Going back to the record being recorded in a home studio, you can hear small aspects of DIY sounds, from the lo-fi guitar and vocals, all the way through to sounds that sound as if they were made by items in the home environment. Take Heavy As for example; it features a funky noise that sounds like a hollow object being tapped. Listen to it, you’ll understand what we mean.
Other highlights include Cathy, which at first we thought to be a beautiful love song but instead we discover that it’s a song dedicated to a “sad” girl with internal struggles. So, we’re left with wanting to find her and hug her – same with Golden Ribbon which is dedicated to a Jimmy. Whoever these two people are, please give them both massive hugs. Hit And Miss also switches from Mike taking lead vocals to Evelyn taking full lead with a beautiful, haunting voice.
Hiss is a beautiful, gentle album that makes you feel calm and happy. It’s the perfect record to play for when you’re feeling stressed and anxious. We can only imagine a beautiful vibe for when these songs are played live. Our suggestion for listening to it: turn the lights off, lie down, close your eyes, and prepare to be transported.
Rating: 9/10
Hiss is out now via Alcopop! Records.
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