EP REVIEW: True Love – Fangclub
True Love is the latest fiery release from alternative rockers FANGCLUB, featuring emotional songs with deep and personal lyricism, reflecting on the band’s recent trials and tribulations than nearly ended them. Also included are themes of love and infatuation, to a point of obsession. This EP is something special and means a lot to the members on a deeply personal and intimate level.
The first track on the EP, Knife, starts off the record on a strong note, with some notes reminiscent of NIRVANA, but carries a heavy and updated tinge to it, especially regarding the impressive vocals. In the later half, it takes a turn for the more hardcore/punk, a really enjoyable change-up even within the short length of the song. One particular element stands out, as mentioned before, is the work of Steven King and his truly powerful and wide ranging vocal talent, from soft and clean vocals, to those similar of MARILYN MANSON. The lyrical content should not go unnoticed either, as it portrays a skewed type of love revolving around using and being used by someone, the turbulence that causes.
Next up is the terribly catchy Heart Is A Landmine, with possibly the most memorable phrases on the record, this track will surely get stuck in your head. Featuring an upbeat pace, but a melancholic tone, the contrast between them stirs something from within, like a bittersweet memory of a love once lost. Smother takes the formula of early 2000’s rock and punk, like GREEN DAY and the FOO FIGHTERS, and brings it to the modern day with a refreshed feel, then smashes a whole load of FANGCLUB groove and punch into it, and wham, you have Smother. A truly great track that manages to be nostalgic on the first listen.
Almost as a direct antonym of that comes Sweater Forever. Sweater Forever is one of those to go on a ‘feeling down’ playlist that mellows everything out. It lets you wallow and reflect, while simultaneously boosting your mood. It is definitely a song for a certain kind of mood, with the repetitive and droning feel setting a baseline on a dreary day. High manages to bring everything back around to an even keel, with the tasty guitarwork tantalising the senses for more, and bringing the thunder in spades. The impactful drums keep everything upbeat and cheery, all the while the vocals ensnare you in the mesmerising style.
What else can be said about this EP? It has everything you could want from the genre, heartfelt lyrics, upbeat but also wistful, and of course fantastic instrumental work. True Love is an EP that just keeps on giving. You can listen to it multiple time a day and not get bored. From even a first listen through, FANGCLUB have proved themselves and are an outfit to keep an eye on.
Rating: 9/10
True Love is set for release on June 29th via Vertigo Records.
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