Looking for 'True Love' with Hovvdy
By David Shird
In their fourth studio album True Love released on October 1, the indie-pop duo Hovvdy grasps a new level of introspection. The Austin, Texas natives have solidified their sound in this record reflecting their growth as artists. This album has many of the minimalist core elements which can be found throughout the duo’s previous work. True Love is a true triumph as the band pays homage to the early ‘00s with folky rhythms paired with sentimental lyrics. The album doesn’t just set out to emulate early ‘00s indie folk elements, but it’s almost as if the work was ripped from the era. This authentic sound isn’t generated overnight but is something that requires a very detail-oriented eye. The lyrical content of this album sees the band reflecting on the past of their youth, adding to the overarching theme of nostalgia.
True Love sees members Charlie Martin and Will Taylor move away from the melancholy of previous records. “Blindsided” is a chill acoustic ballad with hints of banjo riffs sprinkled throughout and sees Martin singing of magnolia trees, hot summers, and “Cold Bud in a solo cup/ ‘Fresh Air’ on the radio”. The title track “True Love”, a more classic indie-pop piece, includes a reference to their 2015 track “Color” from the album Stay Warm. Sunny guitar riffs and jolly gang vocals work alongside questions in the outro “Do you believe what I said/That I am the man I say I am?”. This album doesn’t idealize the past but instead uses these songs as vignettes on which each member inserts a new perspective. It is through this romanticization of the past and present that the duo finds solace; acknowledging these memories opens the opportunity to allow for new experiences to enter one’s life. It feels like going back home from the first year of college, comforting but unfamiliar at the same time. This album encapsulates the audience with its familiarity — and that is what keeps you coming back to listen.
The album doesn’t really bring anything new if you are familiar with the sound of the band, but the feat of recreating this level of nostalgia is the real pull here. The glowly melodies will get stuck in your head as the leaves turn auburn and the lyrical depth will have you reminiscing about warm summer nights and longing for lost loves. If this is your first time listening to Hovvdy, this album is a great starting point into their discography. They truly are becoming a shining star in the indie-pop realm, with True Love solidifying their status. You can catch them on tour with Dayglow this fall and they will also be headlining their own tour in Spring 2022.