NEEDTOBREATHE are a band that are impossible to label. Their music has always been infused with a variety of genres. It's what makes the band stand out and stand the test of time and it's especially what makes their latest album, HARDLOVE, one of the year's most interesting releases so far. The four piece experiment even further on this, their sixth studio album.
There's a little bit of everything on this record and it's a fun journey, even if it's a little bit disjointed at times - musically, rather than lyrically.
The first half of the album is very full on. Title track, 'HARDLOVE' is a vibrant, pulsing track about how relationships are not straightforward and are often full of hardships needed to be overcome - hence the title. 'Money & Fame' is a definite highlight, the funk heavy number warning that the celebrity lifestyle is not as desirable as it seems. 'When I Sing' is another funky feeling song and whilst it's not as lyrically deep as the songs in the second half of the album, ii's still sweet nonetheless.
Lyrically, 'Let's Stay Home Tonight' and 'Clear' pack the biggest punch on the album and are found towards the end of the twelve tracks. The former is about how the simple things such as staying in with your love can be some of the most wonderful things, whilst the latter is a haunting piano led track - which was actually written for one of the brides of the band - and is absolutely beautiful.
HARDLOVE plays with many genres over the course of forty or so minutes and the variation of the songs is a welcome listen. This album will appeal to many and it deserves to be listened to by many. It's available now and it's well worth a purchase.
