Fuzzed out bliss on ‘Belong’

Listening to “Belong” from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart made me want to want to break out all my great alternative albums from the 1990s. It wasn’t because this album is lacking at all (it’s great), but it did such a great job of recreating the emotional state those albums gave me.

Part of the band’s sound might be due to the choice of producers: The album is helmed by Flood and Alan Moulder, who produced Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails, plus countless other acts. However, the seeds of “Belong” had already been planted on 2009’s self-titled debut.

The band displays an incredible knack for hiding beautiful hooks behind walls of fuzz. My Bloody Valentine comes to mind most strongly. The bits of pop music that manage to fight their way through the grime are all the more precious. Standouts include “Heartbreak in Your Heart” and the title track.

This is perfect summer music. As such, I recommend listening to “Belong” while driving with the windows down and the wind in your face.