HARD FEELINGS

Hard Feelings (Domino)

After a series of excellent singles, the first of which was released in May, we finally have a full-length album from Hard Feelings: a collaboration between Hot Chip and The 2 Bears’ Joe Goddard and Amy Douglas, vocal foil to Luke Solomon, Horse Meat Disco and others. Described by the duo as an “opera of sad bangers,” Hard Feelings’ album focuses on love, loneliness and longing, and is a slinky, slick collection of music that wears its influences (electro, new wave, pop, hip hop, house, and dance) on its shimmering sleeve.

Early single Holding On Too Long is an atmospheric instrumental with a deep groove that foregrounds Douglas’s strong vocal. Dangerous is bass-heavy and hip-hop-influenced, while album closer Sister Infinity is futurist disco at its best. The strength of this Hard Feelings album lies not only with individual highlights but with the coherence of the record as a whole; the seamless segues between various songs and sounds create an immersive, cinematic experience.

words JOSHUA REES