I first discovered Hidden Pictures in 2020 with the release of a 30 song anthology that covered their previous three albums and it was a revelation. There have been singles since, but I never expected a fourth album and yet here it is.
Released strangely on Boxing Day, so I hope this gets remembered when 2026 lists are being compiled. Richard Gintowt has again crossed from Oakland to Kansas City and it is like they have never been away. Well Hell is a stunning Pop Rock album.
Gintowt is as lyrically adept as ever, the songs are stories with killer lines. His vocal remains something at ease with the mellow, Petty like at times, but also able to adapt to street drawl and the material is wonderfully melodic and variety laden.
The title track is fine Americana and Hayward Hall Of Justice and Poweder Blue head into Country Rock, but the majority of songs on show are Guitar Pop heaven. For instance, Stealing The Tapes still sounds as ace Power Pop as it always has. A great duet with Heidi-Lynn Gluck.
Wedding Singer (Going Through A Divorce) is an absolutely hypnotic listen, mellow but incredibly affecting). Only Memories is Power Pop themed lyrically, but actually Jangle Pop. Screen Time is more New Wave and bitter, yet incredibly melodic.
Steamroller is rockier, built around some great guitar and a killer riff. Mommy's On Molly mixes 90s Rock with Power Pop and may be the best thing here. A splendid return from one of the most underrated bands. Let's not make it a decade to the fifth album.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download.
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