Single Review: Hurts – Miracle
Words by Edward Chapman
‘Miracle’ doesn’t mess about. The lead single off Hurts‘ eagerly-awaited second album, out in March, kicks right off with an instrumental chorus Coldplay would be proud of. But the LED wristband moment doesn’t last long before singer Theo Hutchcraft rolls in with a rich Englishy vocal so lovingly sad that takes matters in a different direction as we find him searching for a, yes, miracle amid the throes of a dying relationship.
He seems to do sorrow in his sleep, which is both a blessing and a curse, although he is clearly capable of searing anguish; think Bono singing ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’. Hurts say they took a while to find the sound they were apparently long searching for, and ‘Miracle’ is strewn with downbeat-optimistic lovelorn lyrics given gravitas by the heartfelt baritone delivery. Yes, we’ve heard similar words many times before, but if they ain’t broke… And it’s a pleasant surprise to hear echoing guitar later in the mix: it’s interesting and puts this single in a higher class. Why can’t an ostensibly synthpop duo use a guitar if it works?
If you like that late ‘70s into the mid ‘80s Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys electro sound, coupled with a distinct now-ness, this track will further whet appetites for those hungry for the new album, even if it doesn’t quite satisfy lyrically, not scaling any particularly interesting heights. It’s certainly catchy though and like everything on their first album (2010’s ‘Happiness’) very deftly produced with Jonas Quant again at the helm. Move quickly if you fancy seeing them live, dates for many gigs in the upcoming European tour – including London in February and Manchester in April – have sold out already; previously announced UK dates are listed here.
7/10
‘Miracle’, the new single from Manchester duo Hurts, will be released on the 10th of March on Major Label. Their second album ‘Exile’, the long-awaited follow-up to 2010’s ‘Happiness’, will follow on the 11th of March.
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