GROUPLOVE, ‘Cheese’ – Single Review ★★★☆☆

‘Cheese’ by GROUPLOVE – Single Rating: 3/5 ★★★☆☆

For the last decade GROUPLOVE have been making big waves in their native U.S. Furthermore, they have achieved a gold record with their debut (2011’s ‘Never Trust A Happy Song’) which includes, ‘Tongue Tied’. It was this track that broke them, getting to number three on the U.S rock chart as well as a couple of the bands various other tracks appearing on the soundtracks of the ‘FIFA’ computer games. GROUPLOVE have not yet been able to breakthrough yet here this side of the pond. Will their sixth album ‘I Want It All Right Now’ finally get them a bit of recognition over here?

The bands third single ‘Cheese’, from their new LP, starts with an anthemic intro with strong hints of ‘The Suburbs’ era Arcade Fire. GROUPLOVE’S sound is quite obviously 90’s Seattle inspired, and you will hear a lot of early Smashing Pumpkins in the track, along with Nirvana and Pixies. ‘Cheese’ could have easily been an album track off of the latter’s seminal release ‘Doolittle’ and in the accompanying music video, co-lead singer and rhythm guitarist Christian Zucconi looks like the splitting image of Kurt Cobain.

Out Of Tune

Fans of those bands above will love ‘Cheese’. Also, the co-vocalist Hannah Hoopers vocals on this track certainly add a different dynamic to the norm. Zucconi’s vocals are also truly unique, the guy has a great voice. He pushes his vocals almost to the edge, almost out of tune. However, it somehow works. Also, if you remember early noughties act The Vines, then you will instantly appreciate what GROUPLOVE are trying to do.

However, despite being produced by Grammy award winning studio whizz John Congleton, whose production credits include pretty much everyone from Franz Ferdinand through to Erykah Badu, ‘Cheese’ leaves you wanting a tad more. The track is four chords and is screaming out for a chorus! So much so, some listeners craving a little change in song direction maybe left feeling a little underwhelmed. GROUPLOVE still may need to wait a little longer to finally make their mark. Report card grade from GSGM, a solid ‘B minus’……..

So, wait no longer! You can listen below.