Confidence is the fifth album released by English indie pop band The Hoosiers, their first since 2015's The Secret Service. It was released on September 15, 2023 by Crab Race and is published by Downtown Music and distributed by Fuga. It is the band's first album as a duo, following the 2016 departure of keyboardist Sam Swallow.
Background and promotion
In January 2023, it was reported that The Hoosiers were working alongside The Trick to Life producer Sam Miller on "their first studio album in eight years." In April 2023, alongside the release of the single "Hello Sunshine," the album, titled Confidence, was formally announced.
Since this announcement, three more singles have been released: "Snowflake" on June 30, "Idaho" on August 4 and "Making a Monster" on September 15. All four songs have been accompanied by music videos, created by Will Hutchinson.
To promote the album, in June 2023 the band announced a tour of the UK, to take place between September and October 2023. Sharland and Sparkes have also appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio Solent, Virgin Radio UK Talksport and BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss the release.
Critical reception
Upon the album's initial release, critical reception was positive, with Jeremy Williams-Chalmers of the Lancashire Times claiming the band sounds "stronger than ever before" and that Confidence is "a much-needed shot of optimism in a time of global adversity."
Retro Pop Magazine too praised the album, scoring it three of five stars, likening "Hello Sunshine" to the sound of the band's debut album and noting that "16 years after releasing their first, major label LP... they continue to deliver the goods."
Jane Savidge, of Bristol-based music venue The Thekla, was similarly positive, suggesting the album should be considered "one of the natural wonders of the world" and that the record was "effortlessly beguiling."
Reviews of the album's associated tour were also positive, with B24/7 suggesting tracks from Confidence were "met with the same enthusiasm as the classics" at the September 28th Bristol performance. Of the October 1st Newcastle event, Music For The Misfits was similarly upbeat, suggesting the set had "surpassed our expectations" and that the band "have returned with renewed energy."
Track listing
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Confidence.