Review
Cults' fourth album, "Host," is a gem that dropped on September 18, 2020. After dabbling in a lighter vibe with "Offering," Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion took it back to their moody, atmospheric roots on this one. The album is packed with lush instrumentation, featuring live strings, horns, and percussion that bring a whole new depth to their dreamy pop landscape. Tracks like "8th Avenue" and "Trials" are perfect examples, with vibrant cymbal crashes and bold horn sections that give off major Phil Spector vibes. And Follin’s vocals? Still got that cool, mysterious edge.
What really stands out is the way "Host" balances synths with the warmth of live instruments, thanks to the killer production by Cults and Shane Stoneback. This combination gives the album a timeless and weighty feel that’s hard to ignore. Critics dug it too, with a solid 75 out of 100 on Metacritic. Pitchfork even gave it props for its unique charm and the way it builds on their dream pop foundation with raw, tactile sounds. All in all, "Host" is a stellar comeback for Cults, diving back into their darker side and adding some fresh, exciting twists. - Preston
