Live Review: ALBUM REVIEW: Ex Cops 'True Hallucinations' LP
EX COPS bring ferocious guitar solos and sweet harmonies, infused with a youthful spirit that harnesses both optimism and a lingering sense of resentment.
When you think of hallucinations, your mind often conjures images of delusional psychiatric wards or drug-fuelled nightmares – but there is nothing menacing about this album.
As far as an indie-pop record goes, True Hallucinations draws inspiration from various genres to encapsulate a dreamy, sentimental sound. Based in Brooklyn, EX COPS was formed in 2011 by musicians Brian Harding and Amalie Bruun. From home-written songs to recorded harmonies, they now exist as a five-piece touring band.
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This is an album of well-recorded material, ranging from ferocious guitar solos to sweet male-female vocal harmonies, all infused with a youthful spirit that harnesses both an optimism and a lingering sense of resentment.
EX COPS sound is fresh and emotionally accessible, a quality welcome on a debut.True Hallucinations kicks off with a distinct lo-fi sound (we’re on that side of New York), alluring bass and pounding drums. On a strong note, ‘S&HSXX’ then grows back into soothing vocals for ‘Ken’, which characterise the luscious ambience of the songs to come.
The songs are dreamy but energised, riding a steady groove with enough jangling guitar to feel like you truly have plunged into hallucination.
At first listen, it has THE RAVEONETTES written all over it. It is also reminiscent of early SMITHS (‘You’ve got no future’), BELLE & SEBASTIAN(boy-meets-girl musical bliss) and THE CURE (addictive riffs).‘James’ and ‘Spring Break (Happy Birthday)’ feature playful lyrics and a sunny, upbeat sound.
Some of the vocals are lost among the music but it’s a well-structured, compelling listen that is more about the overall sound than the lyrical elements. It could be the lost soundtrack to 2004’s Garden State.
EX COPS don’t stay there, though. ‘The Millionaire’ has a strong synth intro channelling 80s rock, with quirky undertones, surging drums and soft-spoken vocals, measured but melodically memorable.Whereas ‘Billy Pressly’ and ‘Nico Beast’ navigate more subdued sounds (a lethargic VELVET UNDERGROUND) with heavy bass and a smoother song structure.
Pleasant? Yes. Predictable? No. Admittedly, after a while the songs begin to sound similar. Although it doesn’t delve into the urban anxieties of an existential Brooklynite, True Hallucinations is nonetheless delightful.
Check out a recent interview we did with band HERE
Words by Antigone Anagnostellis
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