While they still exude youthful exuberance and introspection, Grouplove have actually been around awhile now, at least for an alt-rock act (they’ve even done the ‘late career leave their founding label’ thing now). That means that they’ve been able to hone and define their sound, to the point where they’re as recognizable for their style as the vocals of lead couple Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi (QRO interview). After the more emotional explosions of the COVID era Healer (QRO review) and This Is This (QRO review), new record I Want It All Right Now goes for a more laid-back approach, but no less cathartic.
Because Grouplove are still about the shared emotion, whether the slow burn into celebration of the quasi-titular opener “All”, or the laid-back synth-love of single “Francine” (QRO review). Not every song hits your heart as hard, and the more swaying Right Now doesn’t have quite enough hopeful explosions like its “Tryin’”. But the album still has the literal ‘group love’ that the band would be known for even if it wasn’t their name.
So, Grouplove might be older, might even be wiser. But at heart, they’re still the kids who want to have fun and more together – and so are you.
