The work of Michael McGough and Joel Quartuccio has been symbiotic over the last decade. The two often fused together to make Being As An Ocean one of the most moving outfits you’re likely to come across. Quartuccio’s poetic, heartfelt lyricisms were always further compounded by McGough’s stunning melodies.
Instead, Beautiful Dangerous is a melting pot of pop-synths – bustling at the seams with explosive, flamboyant melodies. Any comparisons between the Brits former work would be futile: he’s chasing something new here.
He quickly puts his effervescent voice to good use – ‘Headache’ has a melodic hook in its chorus that is irresistible. The late 90’s bounce of ‘Patient’ follows suit too. McGough’s ponderings about when to fully commit to love have been well tread, but surrounded in these exuberant tones: they feel fresh.
Admittedly ‘Leave Just Yet’ and ‘Bright Lights’ flirt with the concept of a 90’s disco to the point where it hangs over the edge of being satirical. But, wasn’t that the point? From it’s first moment Beautiful Dangerous presents itself as a purposefully neon painted depiction of love; vices and virtues included.
‘Hometime’ is the closest Beautiful Dangerous gets to cynicism. Ironically, it’s the highlight of the record. McGough’s vocal slides are vulnerable, yet eloquent. The simplistic backdrop is the perfect setting for him to broach the metaphorical distance between two hearts. It’s in these moments the depth of the singer/songwriter’s talents become evident; Heart Of Gold are as real as they are emotionally naïve.
That’s not to say Beautiful Dangerous’ lighter moments lack credibility though. But such is the beaming positivity flowing through the soundscapes of ‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Backseat Daydream’; that it’s a challenge not to feel a positive warmth listening to their fun-loving tones regardless of lyrical intent.
Growing up between two households, McGough has discussed at length the variety of music in his life from a young age. His mother: the excitable pop-music fan, his father: the enlightening rock aficionado. Michael’s pre-existing discography confirm his skill at penning moving, heart-punching alternative music; and if Heart of Gold exists for no other reason: it’s proof he is almost just as capable at writing buoyant pop, too.