Weirdly, coincedently, just before I went to see General Fiasco, I got sent their CD to review. Which was pretty sweet. So I'll make this short and just say, this is my review for their album.
Since forming in early 2007, this trio of Northern Irish lads have provided support for some of indie’s most popular bands, including The Wombats and The Enemy, as well as playing their own slots at Reading and Leeds festivals, and Glastonbury. After recording numerous demos, releasing a scattering of singles, and receiving countless airtime from the likes of Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens, General Fiasco finally treat us to their first full-length album.
“Buildings” launches straight into 2009’s single, “We Are The Foolish,” with the irresistible verse refrain “you better wake up, wake up/ Hey.” The tinge of Irish accent in Owen’s vocals releases their charm, as you become caught up in the track which could well be the perfect soundtrack for reminiscing about the previous night’s antics. “Ever So Shy” creeps in with just bass and vocals, highlighting the soft edge in Owen’s voice, and the simplicity in that collaboration. Hit the chorus, and the effortlessly of their work shines through, giving proof that you don’t need studio effects to create an enthralling album. Things then slow down for title track “Buildings,” where their talent really glows, as the slow pulse of drums hypnotises you, and you can’t help but move around in some way. It’s also the first time we really see an impact of backing vocals from Enda. After the “woah oh oh” refrain hits, instruments slowly build up to an eruption of energy, as a short interlude of strings are eventually added to give a bigger orchestral feel.
“Sinking ships” provides another slow moment, as acoustic guitar is substituted in, and we see the range of styles that General Fiasco can produce. The Irish accent shows it’s colours most here, as the lyrics are spat out. Continuing into fan anthem “Rebel Get By,” this is a fine example of how their lyrics have been affected by their lives. Particularly nearing the end of the track, you can hear the emotions played out in their melodies and vocals. Heavy guitar starts off “Dancing With Girls,” where we see their ‘rockier’ side. Drums play the key part of this track, giving the beats that will no doubt encourage dancing at their gigs. This isn’t to say that all other instruments are understated, far from it. If this track doesn’t get you at least toe/finger-tapping, nothing will. There’s an abrupt end, before we are given a quick breather as we ease into album closer “First Impressions.” Here, things are signed off nicely, with a calm and easy finishing of just a few guitar notes.
General Fiasco have got their 2010 off to a great start, leaving no doubt that we’ll be hearing a lot more from them in the near future.
4/5
Again, this got published. I think I bought the amount of changes on myself, 'cos this was a pretty lame review if I'm honest...
http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/albums/article/general-fiasco-buildings
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