Hurts

Hurts are an English synthpop duo from Manchester, formed in 2009 by vocalist Theo Hutchcraft and instrumentalist Adam Anderson. Drawing on 1980s new wave and electronic pop, the pair built a dramatic, cinematic sound rooted in synthesizers, sweeping arrangements, and Hutchcraft's emotive baritone vocals, citing acts like Depeche Mode as key influences.

The duo broke through with their 2010 debut album «Happiness» and its lead single «Wonderful Life», which became a defining hit and established their brooding, stylish image. Follow-up records «Exile» (2013), «Surrender» (2015), «Desire» (2017), and «Faith» (2020) expanded their catalogue with tracks like «Somebody to Die For», «Ready to Go», and «Beautiful Ones», while the band cultivated particularly strong followings across continental Europe.

Hurts are known for pairing melancholic, often theatrical lyrics with polished, danceable production, occupying a space between mainstream pop and darker electronic rock. Their visual presentation—sharp suits, monochrome aesthetics—has been as central to their identity as their music, reinforcing the sense of a meticulously crafted artistic project built on the close creative partnership between Hutchcraft and Anderson.