Reviews

From Setbacks to Superstars: Hinds’ Triumphant Journey with ‘VIVA HINDS’

Madrid-based indie rock duo Hinds, consisting of longtime friends Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote, just dropped their highly anticipated new album VIVA HINDS via Lucky Number. Known for their carefree, garage rock aesthetic and playful, lo-fi sound, the band is stepping into new, more emotionally complex territory with this release. Following a series of early singles—including “Boom Boom Back” featuring Beck, “Coffee,” and their first-ever Spanish language song “En Forma”—Hinds has given fans a taste of what is to come: an album that blends fun, experimental indie rock with deeper themes of heartbreak, renewal, and resilience.

The road to VIVA HINDS wasn’t an easy one for the band. After releasing The Prettiest Curse in 2020, Hinds faced a series of challenges that nearly derailed them. Their bassist and drummer left the band, they parted ways with their management, lost crucial touring revenue due to the pandemic, and for the first time, found themselves without a record label. This period of uncertainty forced Cosials and Perrote to confront what Hinds truly meant to them. Their response? They dug in, relying on their unbreakable friendship and shared creative vision to bring Hinds back to life. As they began writing together, the result was clear: VIVA HINDS would be a triumphant comeback, a celebration of their bond and their enduring love for music.

The title of the album itself, VIVA HINDS, carries weight. Shortly after the band’s debut ten years ago, they were forced to change their original name, Deers, due to legal reasons. What initially felt like a setback turned into a rallying cry from their fans, who began greeting the band at shows with chants of “¡VIVA HINDS!” The phrase became a powerful reminder that, even in the face of obstacles, Hinds would persevere. Fast forward to 2023, and the album’s name reflects this sentiment once more: it’s a declaration that Hinds is not only surviving but thriving.

The album was recorded in rural France and produced by Pete Robertson (Beabadoobee), with engineering by GRAMMY-nominated Tom Roach and mixing by GRAMMY-winning engineer Caesar Edmunds (The Killers, Wet Leg). The production feels more polished than their earlier work, yet the raw, lo-fi energy that fans have come to love is still very much intact. Collaborations with notable artists like Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten and Beck further elevate the record, adding dynamic layers to Hinds’ signature sound.

A standout track on the album is “Superstar,” an emotionally charged anthem that speaks to the pain of feeling abandoned by someone you love. Rolling Stone aptly called it a “soon-to-be Hinds classic,” and it’s easy to see why. The song starts slow and reflective, building tension until it bursts into an empowering, cathartic chorus. As Cosials explains, “Superstar” is about the heartbreak and confusion that comes when someone disappears without explanation. “You feel worthless, you start thinking you never really knew that person and you question your shared past,” says Cosials. The song captures this sense of emotional turbulence while offering a moment of release, turning personal pain into an anthem of resilience.

Another notable track is “Boom Boom Back,” featuring Beck, which is one of the more upbeat and playful songs on the record. Its infectious energy, combined with Beck’s iconic style, makes it a standout among the album’s more introspective moments. The collaboration feels natural, and the result is a track that’s both fun and full of life.

“En Forma” is a bold move for Hinds as their first-ever Spanish language single. It’s a refreshing and exciting addition to their catalog, blending their indie rock sound with a cultural authenticity that feels both familiar and new. Hinds has always been proud of their Spanish roots, and hearing them sing in their native language adds an extra layer of depth and intimacy to the record.

Other tracks like “Stranger” and “On My Own” continue to showcase the duo’s growth. “Stranger,” featuring Grian Chatten, has a beachy, fast-paced rhythm with a catchy chorus that makes it an instant favorite, while “On My Own” has a demo-like quality at the start, bringing a sense of vulnerability before unfolding into a playful, upbeat melody.

The closing track, “Bon Voyage,” feels like a perfect ending to this journey, wrapping the album with a sense of completion while leaving listeners wanting more. It’s a track that encapsulates the sense of adventure, triumph, and forward momentum that VIVA HINDS represents.

Overall, VIVA HINDS is a celebration of resilience, friendship, and growth. It’s the sound of a band that has weathered the storm and come out stronger, crafting their most cohesive, fun, and emotionally honest work to date. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, VIVA HINDS is an album that demands to be listened to on repeat. It’s a reminder that even after a series of setbacks, the spirit of Hinds is alive and well—¡VIVA HINDS!

0 comments on “From Setbacks to Superstars: Hinds’ Triumphant Journey with ‘VIVA HINDS’

Leave a Reply

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading