Cults Tease Debut With New Single

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 29, 2011 4:20PM

Since forming last year, Cults have only released a handful of songs - a single and a 3-track EP of endearingly catchy pop melodies. Yet those few songs were enough to get the now-NY-based duo a record deal with Columbia Records and a freakishly dedicated fanbase in the States and the UK. Now, just when we’ve begun to tire of listening to “Go Outside” on repeat, they’re preparing to release their self-titled, full-length debut. And to give us a taste of the new material, they’ve dropped a single, “You Know What I Mean,” from the upcoming album.

The new track is a dreamy, bittersweet melody with a 50’s pop feel - the kind that makes us nostalgic for slow dances in the gymnasium. Frontwoman Madeline Follin’s vocals are at their strongest yet, crooning warm and vivid beside a lovesick rhythm seemingly inspired by The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go.” Check it out for yourself: the new track (along with the old EP) is available to stream over at Cults' Soundcloud page.

The debut album is set for release May 31 through Columbia Records. They’re currently trekking North America on their first headlining tour and will be making a stop in Chicago next week Thursday for a show at the Empty Bottle. With tour mates Magic Kids and Superhumanoids also on the bill, this show has the makings of an indie pop extravaganza. Here’s hoping their sunny tunes can brighten up this still-grey spring.

Cults perform Thursday, April 7 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9:30 p.m., $12, 21+