Indie Darling Cults Release New Album To The Ghosts
Cults, the indie duo behind “Always Forever,” released their fifth album, To The Ghosts, on July 26.
Featuring thirteen lulling tracks, the album thoughtfully considers the band’s past while deepening their signature dreamy, vintage sound.
Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion have been releasing music as Cults for fifteen years, and the band’s impressive history helped shape To The Ghosts. In an interview with GRAMMYs, they revealed the album title addresses the ghosts of Follin and Oblivion’s past selves.
The two artists have a wealth of experience to draw from, from their romantic breakup, the rebuilding of their friendship and creative partnership in the years since, their relentless tour schedule, and the sudden online popularity of “Gilded Lily.”
That song, from 2022’s Offering, is a cathartic hymn with a cinematic feel. It’s also the final song on the album, one entry in Cults’ tradition of ending albums with what Oblivion calls “a big power ballad.” To The Ghosts is no exception, ending with its ballad, “Hung The Moon.”
The song is five-and-a-half minutes of tranquil bliss, enveloping the listener from the first chord to the brassy interlude. It sounds like a slow dance in outer space, haunting, nostalgic, and romantic. The accompanying visualizer is appropriately otherworldly.
The track was one of three dropped before the album, including the nostalgic “Left My Keys” and the embittered “Crybaby.” The vintage sound fans associate with Cults is emphasized, and the 60s vibe suits the romantic lyrics perfectly.
#morningwakeup @CultsCultsCults have always had that retro, 60s girl group feel. Nostalgia and trippy darkness for days. New record out this week! @tsmsayswhat #cults #totheghosts https://t.co/DXOtbVXBhY
— Rebecca Rienks (@BuhbeccaBinks) July 23, 2024
Looking ahead, the group has countless upcoming tour dates with opener Bnny, an exciting rising talent. Cults will also perform at Lollapalooza Chicago on August 4, the same day as fellow indie staples Conan Gray and The Last Dinner Party. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the duo next.
Stream To The Ghosts here.
Writer
