Hooverphonic - Reflection (2013)

Opening with an insistent piano line and vocalist Noémie Wolfs’ reedy alto, “Amalfi” signals a sea change with Hooverphonic’s ninth studio endeavour: built through layers of electric guitars and echoing harmonies it introduces the band’s first album made primarily with analogue instruments. The warm setting particularly suits Wolf’s voice on Reflection’s luxurious ballads, like “Bad Weather”, “Copper (CU)” and “Single Malt”. And yet, torchy, up-tempo pop numbers show the group’s greatest artistic evolution. Tunes like “Wait for a While” and “Devil Kind of Girl” unfold with a mélange of influences from the past several decades—a surf guitar riff here and a Queen-esque harmony there—to make Reflection stunningly sophisticated.

When you pre-order Reflection, “Amalfi” will begin downloading instantly. You will be charged for the track, and the remainder of the album’s cost will be charged separately when it becomes available. An email will remind you to download your copy.