CULTS

To The Ghosts (Imperial)

New York indie pop band Cults return with their fifth album To The Ghosts, a release which epitomises a dreamy, psychedelic journey that resonates with nostalgia and an otherworldly charm. Left My Keys is a standout song – dedicated to the ghosts of high school memories, conjuring a sense of fond recollection – and Eat It Cold brings an uptempo energy with lively keyboard and high-pitched vocals, setting a vibrant tone that I would have liked more of.

While the overall pace of the album leans towards the downbeat, To The Ghosts’ retro sound is accentuated by synths and ethereal vocal harmonies – a combination that makes an immersive, spacey and pleasantly hip soundscape. Cults are clearly very talented, and there are intriguing elements to this album, but at times it feels somewhat disjointed and lacks the compelling punch of a memorable chorus.

words DAVID JAMES