The post-pandemic years have been rocky and uncertain for Hinds, but the arrival of their fourth album offers proof that it’ll take a lot to bring them down. On ‘Viva Hinds’, they sound revived and more vibrant than ever before.
Formed in Madrid more than a decade ago by guitarist-vocalists Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote, Hinds came to international prominence with a brace of loose, fun garage-rock records. Their third LP ‘The Prettiest Curse’, though, was released in 2020 and pulled under by Covid-related delays. Not long after that, in 2022, they announced the shock departure of bassist Ade Martin and drummer Amber Grimbergen from the band.
But on 'Viva Hinds' moments such as On My Own, a sunny indie-pop track featuring clips of background laughter, sum up their response.
It has that DIY approach to making music that Hinds are known for and feels raw and authentic — you can tell Cosial and Perrote both had a lot of fun making this album, despite the obstacles they had to overcome to do so.
‘Viva Hinds’ was recorded in a rental house in rural France alongside producer Pete Robertson and recording engineer Tom Roach. The single Boom Boom Back, featuring Beck, is another infectiously energetic song with the catchiest chorus on the album, comedic ad-libs, and some prime off-kilter Hinds lyrics: “I said 'Nope, thank you though, you know I don’t do cocaine / My thoughts are boring.'”
But they do dig a little deeper elsewhere. The following song, Stranger, is laid-back and hazy, with an appearance from Grian Chatten, whose band, Fontaines D.C., Hinds credit with helping them to “embrace that darkness” — the lyrics talk about being uncomfortable and unable to recognise yourself.
The album has two particular highlights in its Spanish-language songs, Mala Vista and En Forma. Cosial and Perrote’s vocals are at their best on the former, while the latter sounds like they had a blast recording it. The fact this feeling remains palpable in the listening experience is a major reason for ‘Viva Hinds’ succeeding — it is a joyous yet defiant statement. Hinds are back and they don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Hinds Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu September 12 2024 - LONDON Rough Trade East
Fri September 13 2024 - LONDON Lafayette
Mon February 17 2025 - BRIGHTON Concorde 2
Tue February 18 2025 - BIRMINGHAM Castle and Falcon
Thu February 20 2025 - GLASGOW St Lukes
Fri February 21 2025 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
Sat February 22 2025 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Mon February 24 2025 - BRISTOL THE FLEECE
Tue February 25 2025 - SOUTHAMPTON Papillon
Wed February 26 2025 - LONDON Electric Ballroom
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