ALBUM REVIEW: Staring At Clocks – Bitch Falcon

Dream-grunge is not often a genre bandied about, but in BITCH FALCON’s case it is perfectly accurate. A unique combination of shoegaze and grunge (mixed in with a bit of post-punk) sees the Irish trio make some absolutely bombastic noise on their debut record Staring At Clocks. Led by Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s dreamlike vocals, the group take listeners on a journey that feels ethereal, and often like flying above the clouds.

Whilst Fitzpatrick’s vocals are the star of the show, the rhythm section of bassist Barry O’Sullivan and drummer Nigel Kenny create an absolutely excellent engaging beat that drives the entire record forward. The opening of How Did I Know particularly highlights their contributions to this record, which could often be overlooked because of Fitzpatrick’s incredible vocals. Indeed, layered throughout Staring At Clocks there are subtle pieces of bass excellence. Never flashy but always consistent, O’Sullivan is an unsung hero, creating the fantastic footing for Fitzpatrick’s guitar licks and dream-like voice to build on top of.

Somehow this band are only a three-piece, yet the wall of sound they emit on this entire record sounds like something so much bigger. There is ingenious use of effects on the guitar, and with that aforementioned rhythm section constantly battering at the door, they manage to make their three individual instruments combine into something so much bigger. There’s been a lot of talk about the fantastic vocals – which they are – but they are just the cherry on top of an exquisitely crafted record, and even underneath them is the sound of a band supremely confident in themselves. Perhaps it’s the fact that this record has been six years in the making (since their formation in 2014) or simply because of their confidence in their own talent, but either way it is a type of confidence that often comes with experience, and not one you regularly see in a debut album, Fitzpatrick in particular has a superb rockstar swagger.

Now, the vocals on this are absolutely outstanding. Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s voice is so unique you could recognise BITCH FALCON absolutely anywhere. Whilst the opening side of the record tends to lean more towards the shoegaze of their style, with much higher pitched, softer melodies, the latter half becomes much grungier and dirtier. Damp Breath in particular is a great showcase of how gritty she can be, which is absolutely fantastic when layered over the top of their fuzzy guitar and dreamlike bass riff – the contrast highlights quite how good this band are at what they do.

The riffs on this are fantastic too, with some really unique effects over almost every song, which serves to add to the dream quality that underpins their title of ‘dream-grunge.’ This band are permanently working in unison, and while all of the individual pieces on their own would be great, together they are something much greater. Considering that this is a debut record, BITCH FALCON truly show some incredible potential. Combine this with their incredible live shows, and a BITCH FALCON with even more experience under their belt going into album two will truly be a force to be reckoned with.

Is this as good as some of the truly legendary bands of this style? No. But then it doesn’t have to be. Those bands had years and years to reach that status, and considering that this is only BITCH FALCON’s first full-length release, this is a fantastic collection of work that flows brilliantly for such a young band. With a bit more experience and perhaps even a bit more experimentation, this is a band that will be exploding soon. Yes the horribleness that is 2020 might have put a dampener on this release, but if anything it will just energise the Irish three-piece to achieve even greater heights on what comes next. Whatever it is, if they build on the fantastic work from Staring At Clocks then we are all in for a treat

Rating: 8/10

Staring At Clocks is out now via Small Pond Records. 

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