He opens with the title track that documents his continuing marital issues, smearing his lyrics in an almost glam-rock delivery, then makes a fun, high-octane plea for more pop anthems (Radio Kids).
"Make it real, make it true," Showalter sings. He does, too.
Helped by producer Nicolas Vernhes (Spoon), Hard Love comes across as a tight and raw live set (exemplified by the fuzzed guitars of Everything), yet the bombast comes down a notch at times, Salt Brothers revealing just enough space amid the fluid harmonic lead guitar lines.
• Strand of Oaks. Hard Love. Dead Oceans.
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: Cry
For those who like: Ryan Adams meets Sebadoh
— Shane Gilchrist
