Cody Hehner – Staff Writer

Cults (Madeline Follin – vocals, Brian Oblivion – vocals, guitar, percussion) formed in 2010 in Manhattan New York their self-titled debut album, Cults, was released on June 7, 2011, by Columbia Records.

They will be playing a show at The Cats Cradle in Carrboro, NC on March 4th 2012.

Rating: 4 Stars

1. “Abducted“- Starting off in way that almost hypnotizes you with a story of a man who abducts a woman who then falls in love with him, Madeline and Brian’s vocals blend great in this dark sexy start to the album.
2. “Go Outside“- The song that got them their notoriety, “Go Outside” will have you listening to it over and over again its catchy but at the same time doesn’t get old, easily my favorite song on the album.
3. “You Know What I Mean“- The first slow song on the album is the kind of song that i would put on a mix cd for a lady that i was trying to woo. It’s sweet, soft yet powerful, and makes you want to slow dance.
4. “Most Wanted“-  ” What I most want is bad for me I know.” is how the first verse in this song that is about bad habits whether they be ” fornication, drug use, adultery” as the song puts or what ever your poison may be this song is great to have on in the background of any situation.
5. “Walk at Night”- “Walk at Night” feels like it should be playing during a zombie movie when the main character seems to have lost all hope to being the hero, because just like that scenario this song goes from having a dark start to a peppy finish.
6. “Never Heal Myself“- One of my favorite songs on the album, seems to be about a girl who’s been told all the things that she has wrong with her and her life and how messed up she is by her boyfriend, who is just trying to change her she realizes that he is trying to keep her from being herself and just as the last line of the song says ” But i can never be myself so fuck you” leaves him.
7. “Oh My God“- I love the progress in the song, from “Late at night I’m dreaming about a time where I could change my side” to “I can run away and leave you here to stay inside dreaming” and it’s a sweet realization. Time to start being a dreamer of the day.
8. “Never Saw the Point“- This song really just reminds me of being lazy in a relationship. It’s saying ‘I never saw the point in trying’ to create a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship because I’m not willing to change for the sake of this union. I honestly like seeing you happy so I have to let you go and be yourself.
9. “Bad Tings“- The longest (at 3:40) and most repetitive song on the album is a great song but one of the weaker ones on the album.
10. “Bumper“- Is the first time we hear from Brian since the first song on the album, its a catchy song with a sort of call and answer thing going on between Brian and Madeline.
11. “Rave On“- The last song on the album does nothing more than make you want to listen to the whole album over again and again and with it being a whopping  34 minutes long you would be surprised how many times you will hit replay.

Cults, is a refreshing new album that makes you want to listen to it over and over again. Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion have done something great here with this young new band, and I love it. Their vocals fit together very well, and I can’t wait to hear what they put out next.