The Lovers' Album of the Week

The Russian Futurists Our Thickness

So that there isn't any confusion, written plainly on the back cover of Our Thickness is the confession, "The Russian Futurists is Matthew Adam Hart." Might as well give credit where credit is due. And while we are throwing around acknowledgments, let me also give Hart recognition for constructing one of the best pop records of 2005. Our Thickness is a blissful pop album that echoes Phil Spector's vast sound despite the fact that it was recorded in Hart's own bedroom. Far from low-fi, The Russian Futurists create highly energized music that is built on layers upon layers of good ideas with surprising introspective lyrics (for such a feel good record) in which Hart delivers multiple choruses with... well, himself. Some of the highlights include the album's opener "Paul Simon," which has nothing do with the 60's singer/songwriter but a lot to do with one hell of a catchy beat, blasting horns, and vocals that seem to be having too much fun to be piping lines like "We're so burnt out; we're a shell now. It's the worst of lows." On the song "These Seven Notes," a sample from a birthday wish being left on an answering machine progresses into a joyful sing-a-long (with Liane DeLotbiniere, one of the few guest artist on the record) about a crumbling relationship ("All you've got's apologies, and take me back phone calls from me"). With other song titles such as "It's Over, It's Nothing," "Hurtin' 4 Certain," and "Why You Gotta Do That Thang?" you start to get the idea of the themes surrounding Our Thickness. However, I guarantee you won't be leaving this record with your head hanging low. On the contrary, I can clearly see your head bobbing back and forth.