After Spoon’s last major album release of “They Want My Soul” in 2014, Spoon’s new album “Hot Thoughts” presents a consistently relevant and likeable sound. With an upbeat tempo similar to their previous albums centered around the indie pop genre, “Hot Thoughts” resembles a cleaner version of their previous, noisier, beats.
Spoon began in 1996 when they came out with their first album “Telephono.” Since then, they have shifted and refined their sound; the release of their ninth album “Hot Thoughts,” marks a clear transition into the territory of the “experimental rock” genre. When they initially signed with Matador Records in 1996, they started out with harsher sounds and bolder vocals. With the release of “Kill the Moonlight” in 2002, a distinctive psychedelic accent began to enter their musical style, as did a melding of rock and pop sounds. Evidently, in response to the ever changing growth of psychedelic rock since the late 1990’s, Spoon has constantly evolved and refined their own sound.
Spoon’s lead singer Britt Daniel and drummer Jim Eno have been a part of the band since the beginning. The shift in their style has gradually matured and faded out, departing from their original angst and stylized rhythms. “Hot Thoughts” exemplifies this maturation as it diverges and tames the wild nature of rock and roll into a mix of psychedelic indie pop, consistently pushing the boundaries of the genre without breaking them.
Opening with first song, “Hot Thoughts,” the album begins with a wiry violin intro accompanied by Britt Daniel’s singing. The eclectic beats and steamy yet mild lyrics resembles the band’s adherence to the indie pop/rock feel.
The lyrics throughout “Hot Thoughts” explores a darker side of troubled relationships and the bittersweet nature of the lull in romantic connection. The lyrics and melodies themselves carry and insightful tune to it and reflects on the band’s long history of being together. Lyrics throughout the album allude to a pained love and carry a rather addictive tune. The various phases of unhealthy relationships remains an underlying theme in the songs such as “Can I Sit Next to You,” “Do I Have to Talk You Into It,” and “I Ain’t the One.”
Especially with the song “Do I have to Talk You Into It,” anguished lyrics like “Here we go down a long dark road / Same place where we used to go / And the words get stuck on the tip of my tongue” evince the difficulty of maintaining communication and connection within relationships. Still, even darker lyrics like “They say I better seal you up in wax / So that you’re never gonna bite me back” reveal a more sinister, almost abusive side to the wax and wane of problematic relationships.
The album gets more curious with the song “Pink Up.” Unlike the previous songs, which focuses on heavy drums and noisy singing, “Pink Up” has softer beats, hazy chimes and gentle vocals. Its difference on the album resembles their previous song “Inside Out” and its impact on Spoon’s sound. The lyrics present a more existential suspense on the verge of tranquility — unlike they’ve ever done before. The melody still maintains an eerie sound to it — like there is something at stake within this pivotal, quieter moment.
Although Spoon has historically been criticized for their overflowing sound, “Hot Thoughts” is much cleaner. Not only did they hold back on the rock aspect of their style, but their delve into a more psychedelic indie groove gave their album a new and more welcome sound. Their willingness to pivot with the times shows that they know how to maintain their legacy and youthful edge while still holding true to their unique sound.
