To me, the word ‘grouplove’ sounds like something reflecting the ’60s hippie era, and when I first looked up at the stage of The Black Cat and saw the LA-based “freak-folk” band Grouplove, my general suspicions were confirmed; after all, the shortest haircut belonged to the only female member of the quintet.
However today’s hippie is more American Apparel Brooklyn hipster and less Aquarius loving Haight-Ashbury. To achieve this extra 2011 edginess, bands with a seemingly chipper attitude do things like name their debut album Never Trust A Happy Song. Or, they chop up their nemeses with an ax, like in this video for “Colours”:
But after seeing them peform live, they don’t fool me; this is a happy band. Energetic, perky and colorful Cosby sweater-wearing, they delighted the crowd with catchy tunes, including one I particularly enjoyed, “Itchin’ On A Photograph.”
Near the end of their set, a giant light board was brought out and vocalist/keyboardist Hannah Hooper stood behind it, drawing a large, silly face in which she wrote letters in the teeth that spelled out, ‘Grouplove loves you’.
As if that warm and fuzzy moment didn’t already evoke thoughts of puppies and sunshine, right before the band began their encore a young man brought his girlfriend up on-stage and he proposed! Naturally, she said yes, and the band broke out into their final uplifting tune of the night.
If you are intrigued by their sound and are in need of a dose of light indie pop, you can give the album a listen on Spin. This show was most definitely filled with cheery songs and uplifting moments but I’m sure Grouplove is hoping to feel the love from you, the fans, as their debut album hits store shelves today.
