Hurts’ leap of Faith

It’s been a decade since the Manchester boys scored their biggest hit Wonderful Life. And after leaving a major label, they had to reassess where their career went next.

Now back with a fifth album, singer

said: “We love pop music, but we’ve always tried to make it on our own terms.

“It’s very important that there are people who make pop without being part of the ‘big pop machine’. These are the performers I have always appreciated the most.

“The album Faith refers to the fact that we first had to learn to believe in ourselves again.

“When we started working on the new album, we had to figure out which way to go.

“Faith also refers to the fact that there are people who have always believed in us.”

But after two LPs which failed to light up the UK charts, Hurts did question themselves.

Theo said: “There were many moments in the past, and still today when I didn’t believe in myself. But as a musician you have to overcome it and just keep going.”

His partner in crime agrees: “That’s why this album has become so honest and personal. Music helps me cope with mental problems. I feel better when I make music and can bring out my feelings.”

Bigger in Eastern Europe than back home,

Hurts are known for their dark, atmospheric, some might say gloomy material.

Theo laughed: “Sad songs really make it easier to release emotions. But believe me, we’re not gloomy – we both laugh a lot.

“Especially when we’re together – we have a very similar sense of humour.”

Theo spent much of lockdown with a new pet – an octopus called Arnold (after Schwarzenegger).

He explained: “I grew up in the countryside, so I feel great in the company of animals – a person can learn many things by observing them. Obviously, octopuses are

my favourites.”