The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Days Of Abandon (CD, Fierce Panda)

Brooklyn indie pop heroes THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART are gearing up to release their third album, “Days Of Abandon,” on Fierce Panda. Ostensibly conceived as an outlet for singing guitarist Kip Berman (and his musical friends), THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART have been crafting super-cool soundscapes since 2007, worming their way into fans’ hearts via a myriad of colored vinyl singles and millions of candid blog love letters. “Days Of Abandon” follows in the footsteps of two critically acclaimed albums: their 2009 self-titled debut and its 2011 follow-up, “Belong,” which together demonstrated the seemingly effortless transition from pop-tinged daydreams to Alternative Nation anthems. The new album was recorded at the House Under Magic studio of longtime TPOBPAT collaborator Danny Taylor (ZAZA), produced by Andy Savours (MY BLOODY VALENTINE, PATRICK WOLF, CLOUD BOAT), and mixed by Charlie Hugall at London’s Engine Room. “Days Of Abandon” departs from the excessive bluster and noise that characterized the Flood- and Alan Moulder-produced “Belong.” Berman explains: “I didn’t want to make a “Belonger.” This album was a chance to step back from universal songwriting and become more personal. I wanted the music to be joyful and light-filled, even if the themes it explores are often dark.”