The Pains of Being Pure At Heart’s 2009 self-titled debut album was truly an out-of-nowhere smash, garnering widespread acclaim from the likes of The New York Times (“sensitive and sublime, Best of 2009), Pitchfork (Best New Music, Best of 2009) and NME (“pure indiepop to hold close to your heart,” Best of 2009) to countless indiepop forums and blogs, and landing the band a dedicated following that endures to this day.
It’s no mean feat for a young band under the spotlight and the weight of expectations to create a second album that retains the qualities of the debut that so charmed the fans and press in the first place, but against tall odds The Pains succeeded.
It’s long been one of our most-requested reissues, so we’re *super* excited to announce that we have a new pressing of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart’s second album “Belong” coming in just a few weeks! On gorgeous ice blue/royal blue splatter vinyl, and initial direct copies with bonus print while supplies last.
The 2011 follow-up “Belong” aimed for the stars and hit the mark resoundingly, full to the brim with monster tunes and polished to powerful perfection by the production and mixing team of Flood (Depeche Mode, U2) and Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride). The combination was a resounding success, vaulting the Pains to a spot in the alt-rock firmament rarely reached by indiepop bands and cementing their status as one of the seminal guitar-pop bands of the era.
Originally released March 29th, 2011
Pains Of Being Pure at Heart:
Kip Berman: Vox, Guitars Peggy Wang: Keyboards, Vox
Alex Naidus: Bass, Backing Vox Kurt Feldman: Drums, Percussion
Additional Guitars Performed By Christoph Hochheim
The Fat Angel Sings 