By Nadine Rodriguez//Staff Writer
Originating from St. Petersburg, FL, The Hip Abduction is a relatively new afropop, indie rock, tropical six-man-band formed in 2010. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2013, and earned them nationwide attention. Impressively, the band has been mentioned on Sirius XM radio and even earned a spot on the top 5 Billboard reggae charts. With such accolades under their belt in such a short time, it feels like The Hip Abduction is on their way to the top. With their second full-album, “Gold Under the Glow,” being released on March 11, 2016, there is no doubt that the album will help them do just that.
The album undoubtedly encompasses each single genre the band has defined themselves as adeptly. The unreleased album, comprised of 11 tracks, is truly masterful at combining different musical aspects from various cultures, resulting in a unique vibe overall. The sextet uses African stringed instruments, the kora and ngoni, while mixing in dub-reggae bass lines and funky afro-beats to do just this. This multicultural mixture results in non-mainstream songs that one can sing and dance to.
For example, the first track on the album, “Before We Lose Our Mind,” immediately resembles Walk The Moon’s slower songs. A higher pitched male voice singing on top of mellow beats results in a nearly nostalgic feeling listening to the song. This track can definitely be played driving down the beach with friends, hair loose and arms hanging out the lowered windows.
Meanwhile, other songs such as “Higher” and “Crazy,” resemble The Neighbourhood’s well-known moody, sexy, slow dance evoking style. Ironically enough, some of the songs off “Gold Under the Glow,” sound as if they could be played alongside The Neighbourhood’s 2015 album, “The Beach.”
However, The Hip Abduction stayed true to their afropop genre in this album as well. Songs such as “Light It Up,” “Lifted,” and “Ka’iwi,” are evidence of this. The African instruments used result in interesting, unique songs.
The album comes to a close skillfully, the band electing to wrap it up with the last song, “Wandered Away.” The song itself brings each genre to the table. Comprised of mellow beats and soothing vocals, “Wandering Away” starts off as indie rock, but slowly melts into afropop and tropical with the help of unique sounding instruments. Definitely a masterful close to the entire album.
In all, “Gold Under the Glow” is the farthest thing from disappointment. In fact, “Gold Under the Glow” is well deserving of a 5/5 stars. The album can definitely be played straight through, no song deserving of a skip. South Florida fans can catch The Hip Abduction on tour this Spring in Gainesville at the High Dive January 27, in Fort Lauderdale at Culture Room Ft. Lauderdale January 28 and in Orlando at The House of Blues January 30.
For more info visit thehipabduction.com
Photo Courtesy of The Hip Abduction
About Post Author
