The Hoosiers are an English pop rock band who were originally formed in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States by Irwin Sparkes (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Alan Sharland (drums, percussion, vocals). Their latest release `Compassion` is their sixth studio album and is littered with themes of compassion, burnout, connection, and self-talk. It has long term collaborators Martin Skarendahl and Sam Swallow on board adding their talents and the album artwork was inspired by Roman Klonek, a Polish modern-day master of woodcut printing.
`Multiply` leads us in and it`s a dreamily melodic offering about maybe procreating with that someone special. The uplifting light airy and Summery ‘Automatic Glow’ appears to be about finding love later in life but with a slight hesitation and trepidation as to whether your choice of partner is as committed as you.
‘So High’ is a heartening composition and had a similar vibe to Daft Punk with Pharrell Williams on their `Random Access Memories` album with its enticing disco funk ambience. A track about meeting somebody and trying to encourage them to take a chance on you. Irwin and Alan have revealed that ‘Sleeping With The Light On` was written around 2009. A rhythmic breezy number that seems to reflect a scepticism of commitment with the title possibly a metaphor alluding to these insecurities.
Title track `Compassion` is more reflective and muses on the sympathy that is needed the most when it comes to people who don’t share our values. There`s a similar sentiment to the ballad like `Don`t Hang Your Head` which reaffirms that we should accept our imperfections and that we are loved.
‘Lonely Together’ is a delightfully tender pop song and looks to encourage somebody who is a little standoffish to maybe relax and take a chance on them. We have in `Jigsaw Heart` a sweet submission where the narrator is asking a partner to be the final piece to complete their romantic puzzle and make their heart complete.
`Everybody Is a Little More Broken Than They Pretend to Be` is a contemplative musing of the façade of hiding suffering, flaws, and insecurity beneath a polished public exterior. The last minute has an almost gospel like reflection. There`s a strange concept to ‘Man From The Magazine` where the storyteller seems to insist that they can be all the other person desires. The music seems to reflect this potential exploitation.
`Permission To Rest` is quite pensive and thoughtful and appears to encourage taking time out for oneself. The final cut is ironically entitled `The Final Piece of the Puzzle` and this brief soundscape is similar to that of a retro arcade video game sound.
`Compassion` is full of warmth, wit and love and musically is bursting with perfect pop songs and earworms. The band are currently heading round the UK this month promoting the album with in-store appearances before hitting the road in October with a decet of dates.
Rating 8.5/10
