Album Review: Hoarsebox – Cuckooland EP

Tracy Lynch

If ever there was five feel-good, upbeat tracks placed back-to-back on an CD then it would still be no match for this offering from these four Dublin lads.

Hoarsebox released their Cuckooland EP last May, and with just five tracks on the offering, its the EP that just keeps on giving. The fourth track on the EP is ‘All I Need Now’ and is upping the bands profile even further. With the recent release of this track, the lads have not only made an accompanying video, but they are getting a lot of airplay with it. ‘All I Need Now’ like the rest of the EP is a toe-tapping, high spirits enducing track.

I have to admit I was suprised upon my first listen of Cuckooland, as it’s way more pop and soulful than I could have imagined. Each song utilises every member of the band as they all have a hand, or a voice I should say, in the lyrics. All four have a go at singing, but not just that, as each of their instruments are focused on in their own right throughout the EP. This not only gives each member a chance to convey their talents, but brings a fresh and exciting sound to the songs.

Each track is quick and catchy, building up into an exciting chorus or chant at some point, both in lyrics and rifts. Hoarsebox also portray their excellent melodic vocals, particularly in ‘Rosey’ with the ‘Shout it out’ melody. They cite The Police as one of their influences, and thats conveyed in their catchy yet edgy song lyrics, but it’s more like The Police meets soul for the 21^st century. Each track on Cuckooland was made for airplay, my particular favourite being ‘No Pants Island’, partly for the great title, but moreso for the dynamic track it is.

Hoarsebox are one of few bands with just an EP to their recorded stats that are doing well Stateside. The band have been over and back there a lot recently doing lot of radio interviews and gigs. They are back to Irish soil soon enough though as they are playing in Phantom’s First Friday on May 1^st in Andrews Lane Theatre. Keep an eye on www.hoarsebox.com for more on the band.