MUSIC REVIEW: THE BIG PINK - 'FUTURE THIS'

Looking Forward with Elevated Beats, Hooks & Pepped-Up Fist-Pumps

By: Jess Gronewold

January 20, 2012

(4AD) '80s electronic meets modern pop in The Big Pink’s sophomore album, Future This. The English duo makes the blending of their many influences seem all too easy with this soundtrack for the future you hope to have. Every track on the album gives you that sense of hope and happiness in some form, whether it is a literal take from the lyrics or just the feeling you get from the music. After the initial listen, the inclination is to sing.

Stay Gold is an obvious reference to The Outsiders movie, and a reminder to stay hopeful and to forever see things as if for the first time. It comes in heavy with synthesizers, and fills in with drums and a feeling that this will be epic. Think Muse but with a lot more pop in the vocals. The chorus is catchy, the music is full and inviting, and the lyrics pull all of the right strings. It’s the perfect opening track to an album filled with optimism and pop hooks. You want to pump your fist in the air as you sing, “Stay gold.”

They move right into “Hit the Ground (Superman),” which plays right into the anthem theme of the album. Lyrically, you are faced with trying for your dreams with no safety net, yet something compels you to move forward. Musically, you are escorted by synths and pianos, just a hint of guitar, and a steady pop drum beat. They have also used samples taken from Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman” in a beautiful and interesting way. Electronic sounds and samples make a wonderful bed for the echoed vocals.

With a quiet beginning of xylophones that eventually collide with a multitude of '80s electronic synth sounds, “Palace” is a quieter number, yet equally as impactful as the more powerful tracks on the album. This song is a little more experimental in its marriage of odd sounds and simple rock/pop elements. It’s a little slower and a little more space-like in its approach, but plays nicely into the overall feel of Future This.

“Rubbernecking” is perhaps the catchiest track of the eleven on the album, even though you may have no idea what it is you’re singing along with. The mere fact that they say “rubbernecking” so often in one song makes you happy to be listening and singing along. Drum beats guide you through, keeping all of the synths -- and there are many -- in harmony. It’s strange and enjoyable, and very hard to resist.

The Big Pink has made it nearly impossible to stop listening to Future This. They have provided an album of anthems and pop hits to make anything seem possible in a world often filled with doubt. Each song is like a little pep talk. You’ll take it with you and be glad that you did. You’ll find yourself walking a little taller and smiling a bit more. Get this album and remember what it was like when everything was new and everything you could dream was possible.

Standout Tracks: “Stay Gold,” “Palace,” “Rubbernecking,” “Hit the Ground (Superman)”

For Fans Of: Arcade Fire, MGMT, Phoenix