Welcome to a new series I’m calling The Wrock Wreview! This week I’m reviewing Kathryn Hoss’s latest album Hufflepuffs Make Better Lovers. Hoss is a storyteller from northeast Ohio who lists artists such as the Indigo Girls, Maggie Rogers, and Julia Nunes as inspirations. You can hear their influence in this debut album.
Spanning many different styles, Hufflepuffs Make Better Lovers starts at the beginning with Helga, a haunting track with a Celtic melody that talks about one of Hogwarts Founding members, Helga Hufflepuff.
The second track, which the album is named for, backs up its bold claim. I especially enjoyed the Monty Python like introduction to the song. Hufflepuffs don’t give a damn how you did on your N.E.W.T.S. or how many galleons are in your pockets, they provide an equitable love complete with earl gray tea and pumpkin pasties.
Hermione’s Not A Transphobe asks how can someone who has written a book that tells us to stand up for the oppressed not accept that “people can change and it’s magic.” A timely song, it speaks to the lgbtq+ representation that we interpret in the books/movies that could have been made clear.
EVERYONE’S INVITED TO THE HUFFLEPUFF PARTY! In one of my favorite songs of the album, Sexy Hufflepuff Party is a dance track that’s difficult to sit still to. Kathryn Hoss shows off her versatility and brings a fun Ke$sha like energy to the album.
The next track is an interlude with an important PSA: Don’t do drugs, but if you do, think it through. Hoss steps away from the Hufflepuff theme with this universal message. She reminds us not to hurt ourselves to gain the approval of others. While you might think this song would be soberer (see what I did there) than the others, she uses an upbeat and honest melody to deliver the message.
Have you ever wanted to sneak into the Slytherin Common Room? This song is for you! The rhythm of the ukulele and the driving beat makes you feel like you’re trying to evade Filch and Mrs. Norris and find your way into the dungeons. I like the chaotic energy it brings!
After sneaking around the castle, we are given a real treat. In my favorite song of the album, we hear “the price of love is grief, you get the bitter with the sweet.” Remembering those we’ve lost, this song ends on a hopeful note reminding us that those we love never truly leave.
In the final track of the song, we hear a beautiful melody that transports us to the clouds while we get lost in inter-house love. The entire album has used a multitude of instruments, but this song perfectly uses the strings and horns to paint a picture.
Coming in at only 26 minutes, Hufflepuffls Make Better Lovers has a song for everyone. The intimacy of the lyrics and music brings the listener in and provides more depth to the Hufflepuff and magical experience.
I rate this album 20/10 Hedwigs!
You can listen to this album and more of Kathryn Hoss’s music on:
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