I’ve been waiting for a proper full-length debut from The Hillfields for some time now, after enjoying their “a visit”-ep, their cloudberry-single and the song they had on our own “A Good Crop”-compilation. Now it’s ready, “it’ll never be the same again”, officially released on Underused Records on 5. October.

When I first listened to the album, the powerful opening track “Down on you” really stunned me. I wasn’t ready for this, and I was hit with my guards down. I knew they were good, but I really hadn’t expected to be met by a sound, production, warmth and quality like this, – I had never heard the Hillfields sound THIS good. After several listens, this song is not even close to being a favourite of mine on the album. It’s good, but there are much better songs on it.

The Hillfields’ debut is full of really good indiepop songs with clear influences from British indie from the mid 80s. Their highly melodic and slightly melancholic songs remind me of bands like The Mighty Lemondrops, Close Lobsters, The House of Love and sometimes Echo and The Bunnymen. I had expected a more fuzzy and jangly sound on this debut, but their warm, delicate and quite clean sound on the album suits the band perfectly. I’m especially impressed by Rob Boyd’s strong vocals.

“It’ll never be the same again” has songs that you will remember after one listen. These are perfect pop songs with verses and choruses that make you want to listen again and again.  One example is “No more no more”, a song that gets into my head and refuses to leave. I often find songs like that annoying after a while, but this one is really nice to have stuck on repeat in my head. Actually, I want to listen to it again right now ([pressing play]). Other favourites are “Lolife” with a killer chorus, and the brilliant “(This might be) Antifolk”. The single “Afterburn”, which is available on itunes now, is also a good one.

Those of you who have followed the band for some time, will recognize some of the songs from previous releases. “Winsome Lostit” and “Spoon” were on the “A Visit”-ep, and “Postcard from home” were on Volume 2 of Eardrums’ “A Good Crop” compilation. All of these songs have a  much richer and warmer sound on the album. 

Side note: For some reason, I have always imagined The Hillfields as a band of three brothers, since they have always signed their emails with Rob Hillfield, Grant Hillfield and so on. I’ve learnt now that their real names are Rob Boyd, Craig Wilkinson and Carlos Russell, and must admit that I feel a bit stupid…

If you still are in doubt after reading this, I highly recommend you to get this album when it is available on October 5th.