The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart- "Tomorrow Dies Today"

From the latest Pains of Being Pure at Heart single, "the Body," here's "Tomorrow Dies Today." The track is a b-side in the truest sense, sounding much different than the string of songs the band laid out on its new album, Belong. The production is a lot thinner, and intentionally so. A brittle guitar strums rhythm against some punchy drums, which lays a foundation for the same bring of pop bliss these guys lace into nearly every one of their songs.

Stream the track above, and see the art below. Buy the 7'' via PIAS.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart- "The Body"

New York's shoegaze revivalists the Pains of Being Pure At Heart have a new music video out for the song "the Body," which appeared on the band's sophomore record, Belong earlier in the year.

Released just in time for Summer, the video is is filled with well-shot scenes of the beach and ocean. Thankfully, however, this is not just another summery indie pop music video. The video's generally bittersweet tone matches that of the song, using the band members and adorable doppelganger versions of themselves to compare and contrast the monotony of everyday adult life with the joy and playfulness of childhood. It's worth a couple views, even if it's just to see just how much these kids look like the Pains.

Click here to watch a full review of Belong.

Belong- "A Walk"

It's been five years since New Orleans' Belong released their full-length debut via Carpark Records. Common Era is the new album, and Kranky is the new label.

In regards to the song above, "A Walk," I want to say this music feels like an eternity--but I mean that to be a positive statement. There's a steady drumbeat in the background that reminds me of Joy Division, but the ghostly vocals and rotten keyboards give me the sensation of being stuck in a dark, damp cave.

Some tracks on this LP, such as "Perfect Life," get a little louder, a little clearer. But there are just as many moments here where filthy drones and ambient soundscapes are on the menu.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong

It seemed impossible, but the Pains of Being Pure at Heart have somehow found a way to sound sweeter and more innocent than they did on their self-titled debut. This slight change in direction didn't sit well with me on first listen, though. I was a little disappointed to see the noisier, more experimental elements of their music sort of melt away here; however, the band is definitely moving in a definitive direction. This is the sound of the Pains coming into their own. Just like Beach House did with their latest album, the band is building on their initial sound with some panoramic production and more accessible sounds.

The songwriting is still strong and catchy. The vocals are still thin and breathy. The guitars still strum on a beat that's worth swaying to. Sonic innocence.

WATCH THE REVIEW

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- "Belong"

As y'all may know, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart are dropping a new album this March via Slumberland. I posted the first single from it a little while back, and now we're revisiting it for an audio track review. Review: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong

Stream: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- "Belong" ‡ STREAM

It's a new single from the Pains of Being Pure at heart, "Belong," which is the title track from the band's forthcoming album. The LP is set for a 3/29 release on Slumberland.

Stream: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong -