ALBUM REVIEW : Karmin – Pulses

Karmin first caught the world’s attention in 2012 with their debut EP ‘Hello’ and single ‘Brokenhearted’.
Two years later, Amy and Nick have finally released their first full-length album, ‘Pulses’. It may have been a long time coming, but the duo certainly packs a mighty pop punch.
First single ‘Acapella’ proves that Karmin have a unique sound that balances quirky with radio readiness. And there’s plenty more where that came from.
‘I Want It All’ is a slice of retro disco, backed by an insanely catchy chorus. ‘Night Like This’ is a bit more organic, with its summery guitar riff and ‘woaheyeyo’ refrain (imagine Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj having a music baby with P!nk).
Speaking of P!nk, ‘Tidal Wave’ is eerily similar to her ‘Just Give Me a Reason’. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Speaking of which, the chorus of ‘Gasoline’ reminds us of Black Eyed Peas ‘Don’t Lie’ (Amy’s Fergie impression is particularly spot on). We don’t mind though, as there is enough of Karmin’s signature attitude for them to pull it off.
The fun keeps coming with ‘Hate To Love You’ and ‘Try Me On’, both spunky radio-ready pop hits in waiting. Both songs focus on Amy’s sultry rapping, arguably the feature that sets these guys apart from other YouTube success stories.
For the more traditional listener, ‘Neon Love’ provides an adequate Adele-esque big ballad moment (if Adele embraced male harmonies and electronic elements, of course).
‘Pulses’ may not yet be setting charts alight, but there is a lot here to satisfy fans of quirky electro-pop. Their momentum might be off but their pop melodies are certainly right on the pulse.

Download: Acapella, I Want It All, Hate To Love You.

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