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I can tell by looking at your glum expression, you're bored with music and need to hear something different, something inspiring to perk up your ears. No, not the hyper-speed of spit-shined emo or the plodding, too-cool-to-care shoegazer laziness; you need a quality, original product somewhere in between to turn that frown upside down. So let's say we take a trip together with The Fatáles. They're here to help.
Each track served up on this impressive 7-song EP is awash in understated kinetic energy—sprinkled with pleasingly odd noises and layers of sensual sound—that enhances the overall vibe, but in no way overpowers it. Their atmospheric pop will immediately be compared to Interpol (which isn't a bad thing), but they're more daring, tempo-wise, and pump more drama and emotion into the mix, thanks to Wayne Switzer's impassioned pipes and a wide range of instruments (synths, pianos, cellos, violins along with the standard
drums, bass and guitars) played in a daring yet controlled style.
"Pretty in Pixels" starts off with an intriguing slow build. "The cosmonaut" creeps up and then pounces deftly. Sit in your favorite comfy chair, close your eyes and picture traveling through space in a weightless, serene and slightly confused state, twisting and turning control knobs and staring out into the great sea of black. The whispered and eerie chorus "The pieces are missing. Is anyone listening?" gives a
nice nod to Bowie's "Space Oddity" and the epic desperate cry for help, "Can you hear me, Major Tom?"
A lovely little piano piece, aptly entitled "prelude" introduces "ministry of defense" and the rocking commences. Evoking memories of Chameleons UK and other similar 80s Brit bands, this spy-thriller-of-a-song rips along at a good clip with mysterious vocals and urgent barking back-up chants. Like most of their songs, they change things up a bit mid-stream and veer into a dream-like, well-orchestrated instrumental jam similar to the raw, outré sound that permeated and drove along Hüsker Dü's classic "Zen Arcade."
On "you're not the lunar type," the Brooklyn-based band (via Blacksburg Virginia and D.C.) continues their floating ethereal trip into space with a moving Radioheadesque ditty. They contrast it nicely with a rough little howler "this is a trap." In between these two songs lies "nipping at your heals," the band's best chance of a single that might get some airplay. That would be mighty refreshing for the radio-listening
populace.
The track starts off with a killer bass line that reminds me of a great REM song of yore (a free back rub to anyone who can tell me the song I'm thinking of). The up-tempo tune quickly shifts into a grand, swinging love song with soaring vocals and quick bursts of keyboards. Keeping with tradition, they also pepper the song with their melodious digital buzzes, blips and bleeps. Trust me, it sounds a lot cooler than the lame description I put forth. And like any great song, it has a very catchy chorus. Sing with me if you will,
"It's never been so good, it's never felt so real, and even while you sleep, it's nipping at your heels."
The CD ends strongly with "where'd you get those shoes," an interstellar burner that starts off like an update of the Peter Gunn theme and morphs into a very inspired and rousing gem that would make T-Rex and Love and Rockets fans get misty.
Hope you enjoyed the ride. Visit The Fatáles and say thanks.
jeff
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| Check these old faves now in heavy rotation on the UW HQ hi-fi. |
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| Grab these free MP3s, then buy the CDs and support these bands. |
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Up Up Down Down
I'll Thank You Later
This clever and sweet little ditty from the pride of South Jersey that will leave you wanting more delicious pop goodness right away. |
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Fucked Up
Baiting The Public
If there was a simple term for "insanely awesome, intense, epic, hardcore bad-assness," I would most definitely use it here. This freaking rocks! |
Voxtrot
Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives
I'm a sucker for modern bands that can capture the late 80s/early 90s indie pop sound well and update it with something a bit different. This is must for fans of The Connells and Let's Active. |
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