The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

When we last left the young dynamic duo better known as Hurts, they treated us to a splendid video for their track Blood Tears & Gold. A beautiful song that gave us a brief glimpse into the range and breadth of the band’s songwriting prowess in contrast to the seductive beauty that was Wonderful Life. What we’ve now come to learn is that those two songs were merely teasers. Warm-ups, if you will. Friends, we are now treated to what will be the official first single from the duo’s as yet untitled debut record which is due for release on the 16th of August. The single is called Better Than Love and if you were getting the impression that these guys were on their way to becoming the next Breathe or what-not, think again.

Aiming to throw a spanner into the works, it appears Hurts are heading for the dance floor. Arpeggios and all, Hurts have written a single that would make Tennant and Lowe nod in approval. Note how quickly you find yourself swaying to the beat. Losing yourself in those swirling synths… Marvel at how the chorus drives the beauty of this song home with the eerie background chanted vocals. All this and I haven’t even mentioned Theo’s vocals that indeed bring you closer to God. I think we have a winner on our hands here. Do I dare say that their debut record could very well become the album of the year? Time will tell…

“Better Than Love” by Hurts

Fresh off a healthy #4 placing in the BBC Sound of 2010, Manchester’s Hurts appear to finally be emerging from their hideout. With a major label deal via Sony and debut single Wonderful Life hitting the UK airwaves, the duo’s year is off to a fine start. What’s good for them is good for us as new songs are also starting to make their way onto the net. Here we have a new one called Blood, Tears & Gold.

Simply a beautiful track is what we have. One can tell that great care has been placed in the production from the booming drums, the strings and the pads to the arresting melody. Two songs in and to me, the band are reminding me more and more of another favourite pop band from the 80s in Breathe. There’s a bright future ahead for the Hurts boys and I personally can’t wait to hear more.

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Blood Tears & Gold by Hurts