This latest release from Film School immerses contemporary indie pop in a brooding goth music, where layers of instrumentation and heightened lyrics paint a blank canvas of moribund landscapes and longing. After several setbacks and challenges during Film School's last tour, (with new recruits and pressure to deliver a strong release), this California-based ensemble offers here a solid and cohesive collection. Greg Berten's haunting vocals compliment the densely weaved instrumentation of Dave Dupuis, Jason Ruck and James Smith. Adding to this well-measured cauldron are splashes of vocals from bassist Lorelei Plotcyzk, as well as guest vocalists Tracy Uba (Timonium) and Leah Piehl. The guest list goes on, with Colm O'Ciosoig of My Bloody Valentine and Paul Wilson of Snow Patrol also featuring.
Tracks like “Two Kinds”, “Sick Hipster Nursed By Suicide Girl” and “Go Down Together” fully showcase Hideout's particular vision, dipping lightly into themes of loss and desire and summoning goth-indie sounds of the past, never quite replicating them, but offering nonetheless a unique homage to the dynamics of what came before.
