English band The Hoosiers have had what most people would describe as a "bumpy ride". Formed in Indianapolis in 2003, the band rose to meteoric success with their debut album, The Trick to Life, which reached number 1 on the UK albums chart in October 2007. Their first single, Worried About Ray, reached number 5 on the UK singles chart. They were then named the worst band at the annual NME awards in February 2008, and in the same year, their second single Goodbye Mr A was included on the FIFA 08 soundtrack… so yeah, bumpy right out of the gate.

Their second album, The Illusion of Safety, failed to reach the same heights as their first album and after just cracking the top 10 on the album chart, their record label decided to drop them from their label, and the reception from critics and fans was underwhelming At that point, it was looking like most pundits had written off these guys. Cut to 2023, and The Hoosiers are still going strong with solid fan support and another two albums under their belt. September 2023 rolled around, and their fifth studio album, Confidence, was released.

This was the first album the band had released since 2015's The Secret Service and was the first album for the band as a duo, with keyboardist Sam Swallow departing the band in 2016. The tracks in the album include some of my favourite songs by the band from their entire catalogue.

Making a Monster (Album listing 2, 3:25 mins)

Favourite line: "I don't want what's left, I want it all. No one got anywhere by playing cool."

From the very first listen, this song has been stuck in my head for days on end. The horns provide a spectacular backing track for the smooth vocals with the nice simple backing drums it's a great introduction for what's to come on the album. I've been humming the chorus to myself all around the office and I'm pretty sure at least some of my coworkers are starting to get twitchy.

Hello Sunshine (Album listing 3, 3:44 mins)

Favourite line: "We're gonna run away, leave behind yesterday. The world's gonna hear us say Hello Sunshine, Goodbye Rain."

This was the first song off the album that Spotify flung at me from its algorithm and I have loved the uptempo beat and the positivity that drips from every pore of this song. It feels like an ode to seeing the silver lining in each situation and the slick guitar work keeps the vibes flowing from verse to chorus and back again. Whenever I'm feeling shitty I pop this song on and I feel all the stress and anxiety just slip away.

G.O.A.T. (Album listing 5, 3:18 mins)

Favourite line: "Fell in love with a girl from France who doesn't understand me. When I tell her it's real she says c'est fini. What could she mean."

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a song about unrequited love. Here the guitars take front and centre, leading the listener on a tale of loving the idea of someone more than the person themselves. From the dream meeting to the desperation of trying to hold onto something that only existed in your dreams, this is one of my favourite songs on the album just from all the great subtext.

Idaho (Album listing 4, 3:37 mins)

Favourite line: "I know you'd have more fun in Florida, but life on the run means lying low"

The synths that were a stalwart of the band's earlier work are front and centre of this track. This paired with the darker subject matter in the lyrics lends the track a bit of gravitas showing that the album is more than simple upbeat ballads. This song is all about enjoying where life takes you even if it's not the original destination you intended. A great counterbalance to the unbridled optimism of the previous songs on the album.

Snowflake (Album listing 9, 2:48 mins)

Favourite line: "Welcome to the future we were haunted by the poor. So we decided not to believe in ghosts anymore."

Much like a snowflake, this track showcases the weirder side of The Hoosiers that's always under the surface waiting to jump out at the first opportunity. The catchy hook and chorus is supplemented by some of the best horn work and guitar on the album. It's hard to encapsulate the song in words as it jumps all over the place like a snowflake twirling in the twilight. Multiple listens reveal more minute flourishes that are wonderful. 

I've listened to the above songs a dozen times, and every time, I find something new to enjoy about the songs. From the lead singer's impressive vocal range to the uplifting horns and relaxed vibe puts me in the mood to kick back on a beach with a beer and enjoy the sunset. Personally, G.O.A.T. is my favourite track on the album, mainly because it's highly relatable to me. I mean, as someone whose accent could be best described as an acquired taste, there's something undeniably attractive about the French accent, so I totally get falling in love with a girl from France.

There's also an extra deluxe version of this album which was released in January 2024 and is simply called Overconfidence. It's got more songs, including a couple of live recordings from their latest tour. Overall, this album is brimming with positive vibes and an uplifting message that couldn't be more needed in the clusterfuck that has been the last five years, give or take. If you've got the chance, be sure to get the deluxe edition, as there's more bang for your buck.