Album Review: Founds - Hadean

With an array of obvious influences, Founds have composed a debut record that follows a distinct formula of drawing the listener in with stunning female vocals and peaceful strings before belting them with guitar and drum beats.

Hadean sees the six-piece from Brisbane beautifully experimenting with the distinct sounds of strings, keys, electric guitar and fiercely purposeful drum beats that leads nearly every song on the record. Vocalist Kirstie Ford shows off her imperfect but soaring voice that resonates with the aid of stunning harmonies from both the male and female band members. The fifth track, Cave, breaks down with, what seems like, every member of the band singing a part, culminating in one of the album's highlights.

Ford's lower register is a dead ringer for Björk in the Avalanches opening, with punchy lyrics and a European twang. The track progresses with a fast drum beat, building to the sound of brass as Ford belts “Within me, a lunatic calls out”, possibly channeling the Icelandic songstress in more than one way.

The album does follow a clean cut pace: lure the listener in with peacefulness and beauty, quicken this with drums and guitar, possibly cut to an a capella bridge before rocking it again into a calm finish. It didn't necessarily get old, but it became apparent. A pleasant exception to the rule was Cassieopia, kicking off with faster orchestrals, dropping into moments of relaxation and finishing with an exciting faster chop rather than a fade.

The engaging absurdity of the act delves into Sigur Rós or WU LYF territory (without the screaming) with a refreshing female voice, meshing with the piano and strings perfectly.