Grouplove – Itchin’ on a Photograph (Single Review)
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Written by Michelle Kambasha
‘Itchin' on a Photograph’ is a great pop song. A type of song that is largely ill-produced in our current musical climate, particularly in America. Attention is concentrated on stadium filling bands, be it Kings of Leon, The Killers or Coldplay. However, up-and-coming LA band Grouplove are bringing back good old catchy rock with the release of new single 'Itchin' on a Photograph'.
It seems everyone in mainstream rock is ignoring the period beginning late 80s to early 90s. Grouplove are rooted in this area but branch out into the modern day with an infusion of contemporary indie and the best kind of pop. This song channels simple Pixies-esque bass lines against a prominent guitar sound. Christian Zucconi’s vocals are like a young Billy Corgan meeting Jordan Blilie (of the now defunct Blood Brothers) with it’s raw sounding, sharp tone. Clapping is so underrated nowadays and it’s refreshing to hear a rock band use it at the opening and closing of the song. It’s effective and inexpensive and Grouplove certainly use it to its potential on this song. This song is about simplicity. No need for complicated electro beats or elaborate guitar. The song sounds natural and basic without the negative connotations of the latter.
‘Itchin’ on a Photograph’ is an effortlessly catchy and carefree song. It is as though Grouplove put a couple of notes together and produced a massive, timeless rock song. Certainly a great song created by equally matched components, certainly a band not to be overlooked.
Single Rating: 8/10
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It seems everyone in mainstream rock is ignoring the period beginning late 80s to early 90s. Grouplove are rooted in this area but branch out into the modern day with an infusion of contemporary indie and the best kind of pop. This song channels simple Pixies-esque bass lines against a prominent guitar sound. Christian Zucconi’s vocals are like a young Billy Corgan meeting Jordan Blilie (of the now defunct Blood Brothers) with it’s raw sounding, sharp tone. Clapping is so underrated nowadays and it’s refreshing to hear a rock band use it at the opening and closing of the song. It’s effective and inexpensive and Grouplove certainly use it to its potential on this song. This song is about simplicity. No need for complicated electro beats or elaborate guitar. The song sounds natural and basic without the negative connotations of the latter. 
