Fans of new wave synth-pop will comfortably gravitate toward English duo Hurts’ most recent softhearted transmission, while their skyrocketing popularity will mystify everyone else. Appealing textures may shimmer throughout these sentimental, club-tailored tracks, yet nary a moment surfaces where both bleeding-heart passion and attention-grabbing soundscapes combine into something beyond weepy sentiments bolstered by a solid beat. Despite their avid following among Europe’s dance-oriented scene, imagining similar levels of admiration reaching American shores could best be described as an exercise in theoretical absurdism.
Score: 5 out of 10
Hurts
Surrender
Sony Music Entertainment
Producer: Jonas Quant
