The Kind Hills are a different kind of band. Having met years ago while all six members were studying in Australia, they are now a global long-distance project, with members spread across four continents. But distance hasn’t hindered their creativity, as the indie pop band has just released a new full-length album, Little Epiphanies.
The album kicks off with the instantly catchy “All Your Promises.” The track features an engaging guitar melody and lovely vocals, creating a fantastic indie pop sound. From there, we get a vocal switch on the next song, “Making Memories,” which delivers a deeper and more intimate style. There’s a melancholy yet uplifting feel to this one, and the band really excels at showcasing emotion in an accessible package.
One of the standout tracks is “Making Indie Pop Great Again,” with its infectious, hook-filled riffs. The dual vocals work beautifully together, as The Kind Hills undoubtedly succeed at making indie pop great again. Then, for an instantly likeable pop song, look no further than “I Love Perth” — it’s a one-minute sonic hug.
“The Kind Hills” boasts an exceptional vocal performance, showcasing the singers at their best. The song is heartfelt and beautifully arranged, with an undeniably catchy guitar section in the middle of the track. “Imposter Syndrome” leans into a nostalgic pop style, blending deep ’80s new wave and post-punk styles with modern dream pop. It also features a chorus that will have you wanting to learn the words immediately so you can sing along.
While “Dance Dance Dance” is infectious indie pop, it also carries a melancholy undertone. In keeping with that mood, “Beer O’clock” seems to explore themes of human connection and finding your people. Fittingly, it’s easy to imagine crowds singing along to this one at a live show.
“Time To Let Go (Was Long Ago)” features fellow act Icarus Phoenix, another group we’ve featured here on FTS, making for a great collaboration between the two acts. From there, we get another standout track, “Seaside.” Its unique structure keeps the listener engaged right through to the end.
As Little Epiphanies begins to wind down, the album delivers sleepy indie pop gems like “Young and Dumb” and “Man Flu,” followed by “I Need A Holiday,” which carries a strong The Postal Service vibe. The collection then closes with the gorgeous, nostalgic sound of “Vegemite.”
Overall, this album feels like the perfect warm-weather soundtrack. It’s genuinely difficult to pick favourites, as the songs work so beautifully together as a complete package, flowing naturally from one to the next. There’s a sincerity and earnestness to the songwriting that makes the album even more appealing, and it’s an impressive feat that band members scattered across the globe could create something so cohesive, rich with depth and purpose.
Stream Little Epiphanies by The Kind Hills on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Bandcamp / Soundcloud
Follow The Kind Hills on Instagram / Facebook
