Though its name is synonymous with one of New York’s most famous inner-city neighbourhoods, Harlem’s lo-fi sound evokes carefree beach parties and summer bonfires, channelling the spirit of early garage rock pioneers like the Hollies. Hippies features 16 songs with catchy "I just wanna be your baby" choruses, tinged with a touch of cynicism, like "I just gotta stop your bawlin' about all the bullshit you give me." At times reminiscent of Jonathan Richman's early Modern Lovers work, other numbers like "Stripped Sunset" and "Pissed" are bluesier and a touch meaner, more in line with the MC5 or Royal Trux, and give the Austin band an edge not possessed by some of its peers.
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