Glasgow, Scotland-based indie rock duo Hippy introduced their new album, Falling In Love With Being Alive, a couple of weeks ago.
The twosome shares, ‘Falling In Love With Being Alive’ is an album of so many different layers. It covers hope, fear and both the greatness and absurdity of life, living life and ultimately death. It tackles the pain of anxiety and also longs for comfort.”
Made up of Paul Hipson (singer, songwriter), and Hugh Frizell, the two artists were introduced to each other by a mutual friend. Musical and personal chemistry was almost immediate, so in September 2019 they formed Hippy, followed by entering the studio one month later to record “Aries Girl.” They released “Feelgood,” “Junkyard Babies,” and “Volunteer” shortly thereafter.
In October 2020, they dropped Behind Every Song Is A Story, collecting vast acclaim, along with national airplay via BBC Radio Scotland’s Billy Sloan, as well as airplay throughout the UK.
Comprising 11-tracks, highlights on the album include “Consistently Inconsistent,” traveling on sleazy, blues-flavored guitars evoking memories of ZZ Top. Paul’s gritty, rasping voice imbues the lyrics with low-slung snarling timbres.
“Till We Meet Again” rides a mid-tempo rhythm topped by Paul’s alluring vocals, reminiscent of Tom Petty with his nasal grating tones. Soft, radiant harmonies give the tune glowing hues as the luminous guitar infuses the tune with dazzling textures akin to Hendrix on “All Along the Watchtower.”
“Deep River Man” features dark guitars oozing murky colors of singeing blues, while Paul’s deliciously rough voice conjures up hints of Don Henley. When the harmonics shift and ramp-up, the song pushes hard on incandescent guitars.
The title track is another great song, blending folk-rock savors with traces of the Eagles. The last track, “Destination Alienation,” rolls out on shimmering coloration fused with tints of alt-country and indie rock with vague intimations of Allman Brothers-like Southern Rock. There’s an orchestral flow to the song, imbuing it with resplendent hues, spilling with creamy surfaces.
Wow! Falling In Love With Being Alive is a grand, wonderful album, brimming with elusive familiarity yet deliciously innovative.
