Following up a critically acclaimed debut album, Noel Heroux plotted the band's sophomore album Racy by ignoring expectations and stripping away baggage, musical and otherwise. Heroux says. IIl wanted everything loud and direct so you don't have to guess at what you're getting into. " With Chris Coady (Grizzly Bear, Beach House, Future Islands) in the co-producer's seat, the sessions for Racy took place over the first few months of 2013. Crafting a more fluid listening experience with Racy meant a more active role in the studio for Heroux's longtime bandmates--bassist Chris Principe, drummer Joe Ciampini, and keyboardist / vocalist Jessica Zambri. Racy is very much a rock album. Featuring nine finely etched songs rendered to life by Coady's crystalline production, Racy represents a bold and beautiful step into the light for HOORAY FOR EARTH. "HFE is an indie-pop band that really isn't beholden to any sort of trend... Noel Heroux's delivering a deceptively forceful performance while drums boom and guitars chug, waiting for the festival masses to arrive." Pitchfork