The Hip Abduction’s New Album ‘Gold Under the Glow’ Delivers a Dose of Addictive Tracks
Yesterday. That’s when The Hip Abduction should have been on your radar and filling the sweet spring and summer air at festivals across the country. Don’t get me wrong; they have played their fair share of festivals, but it is time for these guys to graduate from small daytime stages. And if you need anymore proof of this, just listen to their third full-length album Gold Under the Glow that was just released on March 11.
I have been fortunate enough to live in St. Petersburg, FL, where these guys call home. So I have had no shortage of The Hip Abduction in my life the last several years, and it has been fun to watch these guys grow. Last night we were treated to their hometown album release show, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Jannus Live was the perfect venue for this homecoming, packed to the brim with happy, dancing faces, thanks in part to the opening energy brought by UNRB. Another FL-based outfit, the seven-piece ska-fusion unit always keeps things entertaining (and you should check out their latest album, Collateral Jammage, while you’re at it). Special guest Mike Pinto, all the way from the CA, also helped set the stage for an awesome, balmy night under the Florida stars. The only thing missing was cool grass under my feet.
They classify their sound as something of an Afro-fusion, indie-reggae beat. But where they have stuck to this formula more in the past, their newest album has opened up a whole new sound.
Some tracks, like “Before We Lose Our Minds,” have almost a fun (dare I say Kygo-esque) tone, with deep bass, horns and synth that hit you right in the gut. Others, like the airy “Crazy” and “Light It Up,” take you right to that beach you visit in the back of your mind.
“Stand Up for Love” and “Ka’iwi” offer toned-down, near funk-fusion flavors in their deliveries, while tracks such as “Awake” are slow and mindful, with lots of bass and singing accompaniment and some well-placed strings.
There’s really something for everyone on this album. If The Hip Abduction didn’t catch your attention before, they certainly will now, as you are guaranteed to be hearing a lot from this album this summer. This new album is easy to listen to, makes you want to sway where you stand, and the uplifting, oftentimes inspirational lyrics pair so well with the different styles they bring out on this album, you’ll be hooked on Hip before you know it.
Check them out as they continue to tour this summer, and hopefully we will see them on even more festival lineups soon (you can already catch them at Shaky Knees in Atlanta, May 13-15)! Oh, and check out Gold Under the Glow below or download it on iTunes.