Grouplove – Healer

Since their start, Grouplove have managed to be exuberant pop without just being exuberant pop....
Grouplove : Healer
7.7 Canvasback
2020 

Grouplove : HealerSince their start, Grouplove have managed to be exuberant pop without just being exuberant pop. While they definitely have a sweet flavour, they are not mere bubblegum. Yes, you’ve loved their hooks since “Tongue Tied” and “Colours”, and they’re not some deep meditation on tragedy, yet they’ve earned their success. And Healer is coming out at just the right time.

Written after singer/keyboardist Hannah Hooper (QRO interview) underwent brain surgery, it’s given the whole record an ‘it’s great to be back & be alive’ vibe that Grouplove do well. Even when they’re doing a political kiss-off like opener/single “Deleter”, it’s a big dance party, not a polemic or bile. They have gotten a bit older, with Hooper sounding almost wistful about partying (she’s also become a mom, with singer/guitarist Christian Zucconi – QRO interview) on “Ahead of Myself”. But whether pop-speedy like “Hail to the Queen” or swaying relax such as “The Great Unknown”, Grouplove are looking forward to things.

Coming out just as the world was shutting down due to the corona virus, Healer has an ironically apt title for these days, as we need to keep our spirits up & healing.

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