An emotionally charged record just in time for fall

Hovvdy once again brings forth their dreamy tones with their latest release, True Love. The record is full, bursting with calming acoustic guitar and subtle percussion that decorates each song with flavor that pops from ear to ear. True Love makes one feel like they are floating as each word effortlessly flows in with creamy vocals drenched in reverbs and delays. With each listen-through, one can’t help but reminisce as the lyrics draw up memories.

Formed in Austin, Texas, in 2014, the duo has kept busy releasing singles, cassettes and three previous records, with True Love ringing in the fourth. This newest release follows up not too far behind their 2019 release, Heavy Lifter. With the moments of melancholy on one hand and lyrics of longing love on the other, this record was perfectly timed to be released, gracing the welcome of fall and the changing weather. It is quite perfect when a record release fits the present mood offering the next repeat album for a long while, making any listener feel like the ‘main character.’ 

Starting off the album is “Sometimes,” a short and sweet song that ends abruptly. Coming in at one minute and 17 seconds, the song is quite blissful, featuring only an acoustic guitar with flowing ambient tones in the background. The lyrics are sung in a smooth, bright tone and at points reaching a low timbre that compliments the metallic twang of the guitar. Just as it gets good, the song suddenly stops, bouncing right into the next track.

Picking up the tempo, the title track “True Love” turns up the dial on the drums bringing them to the forefront. Still featuring the lushness within the acoustic guitar, the track now brings a slight edge with the energy within the strumming and power within the percussion. “True Love” stands alone, featuring the most upbeat feeling throughout the album.

The second single to come off the album is “Around Again.” Tugging at the heart, the song sings of that one person that keeps coming around again, reopening all the old wounds between past lovers or friends. “Lake June” also plays with one’s heart but now in a happier way. Lyrics sing of happier memories as kids and as young adults that provoke strong memories of one’s own. This song features falsetto vocals singing “I love you so much” plays beautifully along with the soothing plucking of the acoustic guitar.

Bringing the feeling of melancholy right at the end is “I Never Wanna Make You Sad.” The slow strumming and gentle percussion dance hand in hand with the emotional vocal showered in reverbs and delays. The song sings of breaking up and the need to “find a new normal, we’ll be alright.”

Hovvdy delivers beautiful emotion with their newest album, True Love. Each song evokes both warming memories along with the ones that may sting a bit to remember.