ALBUM REVIEW: Roman Candle – Funeral Chic
We all go through changes in our lives. Whether that is physical, emotional or personality-wise, change is a necessity. However, sometimes change is not always perfect. FUNERAL CHIC change up their sound on every album. This not only allows the band to stretch their artistic wings, but also open up the doors for new fans to check them out. In short, FUNERAL CHIC don’t want to make the same album twice. However, there is also a more personal angle for the band on their latest effort. With members of the band taking up sobriety over the years, Roman Candle focuses inwards. Across ten songs, the band cover every genre from snarling punk to arena rock.
The best example of this is on the first two songs. Made In America is a short rock song that warms the audience up before launching into the frantic Spit And Crawl. Whilst the two songs are on different sides of the musical spectrum, they work together really well. This is thanks to FUNERAL CHIC guitarist Robert Stroud, who oversaw the production. Furthermore, the mixing by Matt Russell and mastering by Brad Boatright ensure the two genres mix together easily.
The album’s pacing is not affected by the different genres either. The title track, for example, moves along steadily. Whilst it is not as fast-paced as the previous song, it still feels like it fits on the album. However, on the other hand, the album does sometimes fall into the pattern of having a slow-paced song and then a fast-paced song right after. Whilst this does create consistency, there is also the issue of the album becoming too repetitive.
Thankfully, Ain’t Going Nowhere breaks up this repetitiveness. With its swaggering rock riffs that sound like they’re pulled straight from an 80s metal band, it marks a departure from the two types of songs that have plagued the album so far. Even though it does go back to a fast-paced song, the change does not feel stale.
Roman Candle is FUNERAL CHIC‘s third album. Third albums can be complicated. First albums are daunting, as it’s a first transmission into the world. Second albums are hard work because many musicians are trying hard not to fall into the ‘sophomore slump’. If they can avoid that, then the third album must be a statement to the musician’s longevity. Thankfully, FUNERAL CHIC make a very strong case as to why they deserve to release a third album. Having learnt from the slightly cliché start, the band really pull it all together by the end. The final song – a cover of Two-Headed Dog by ROKY ERICKSON – is an explosive riot of noise that successfully closes the prologue to the next chapter of the band.
In conclusion, Roman Candle is a brilliant album. Despite a slight tendency to lean into the comfort zone at the start, the band soon stretch their wings and show not only that genre is dead in the water, but also that they are back and bigger than ever. It is a well-paced album that truly sounds fantastic when the band are letting themselves have fun. Thankfully, there is plenty of fun. Roman Candle marks a new chapter for FUNERAL CHIC. It is a chapter that is full of hope, joy, and loud music. This is one change that fits the band perfectly.
Rating: 8/10
Roman Candle is set for release on July 29th via Prosthetic Records.
Like FUNERAL CHIC on Facebook.