On their latest album, Bad Bad Hats expand their palette without losing their trademark sound.
2021's Walkman was recorded with minimal studio tricks. Many of the songs were recorded live with the full band, similar to how they were played in concert.
For the new self-titled release, the group set out to not limit themselves in the studio. Throughout the album's 10 songs, you hear samples, loops and synths added to their catchy guitar-forward pop-rock sound.
One of the biggest departures from their traditional sound is the moody synth-pop of "Back To My Body." The synth bassline and faint acoustic guitar are a perfect backdrop for Kerry Alexander's lyrics about dissociative feelings.
In contrast, "TPA" is a funky dance-pop song that overflows with self-confidence. Built around two interlocking guitar lines, a simple bass riff and a repeated chorus of "Ooh, I'm on fire," it's a great example of how simple can be catchy.
The new album began with a pandemic project of choosing a different style to write songs in each month. These experiments in different genres encouraged the band to pursue new directions on Bad Bad Hats.
Must listens
- "Let Me In"
- "TPA"
- "Bored In The Summer"
- "Back To My Body"
- "The New Stuff"
- "Lay Low"
- "My Heart Your Heart"
