The Fratellis – Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
(Photo courtesy of MapleMedia)
3/5
Many bands are easily transferred into a box of expectations after their debut album; fans want something new but without drifting too far from their original sound, posing a somewhat paradoxical challenge for musicians. Scottish alternative rockers The Fratellis were thrown onto their fans’ shoulders in celebration and then swiftly tossed into the box with their hit single “Chelsea Dagger” back in 2006.
Their debut album Costello Music was well received and succeeded at putting the trio on the musical world map, but since then, their 2008 sophomore Here We Stand, and 2013 We Need Medicine were either brushed off or loved by music critics (more so the former) based on how closely they kept to their original dance floor-stomping, sing-along song writing recipe.
As 2015 continues to roll through, the Fratelli “brothers” have released their fourth studio album Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied and – you guessed it – not much has changed from the band or the critics.
(Photo by Stephen Kyle; courtesy of MapleMedia)
Almost a decade since their major hits “Chelsea Dagger” and “Flathead”, The Fratellis have tightened their danceable, bass-thumping style and repositioned themselves in a polished and slick new box. There is still that distinguishable energy and heaviness to their new record, but Jon Fratelli has added a more mature, aged degree to the music; less wild club dance night, more mid-sized venue performance.
Opening with the Jack-White-esque piano-forward track “Me and the Devil”, the foot stomping begins with anthem style riffs and hooks, and eventually leads to the aptly labeled hit single “Baby (Don’t You Lie to Me!)”. Jangling piano chords, up-beat pop hooks, and irresistible guitar riffs all come together for single easily comparable to the 2006 track “Flathead”. Farther down the track list, “Thief” does a similarly solid job at recreating their debut sound, having critics bored and long time fans pleased.
Stemming from the mature sound is a subtle Americana roots character for many of the tracks on Eyes Wide. “Desperate Guy”, “Slow”, and “Moonshine” are heavily folk rock based.
There is plenty to enjoy on the new album with sturdy, B-side tracks leaving their mark; “Dogtown”, “Getting Surreal”, and “Too Much Wine” keep the Fratellis in their usual zone.
As Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied is met with mixed reviews, they are undoubtedly consistent with creating fun-loving, energetic tracks that are easy on the ears and pleasing on the dance floor. It may not be the best album of 2015, but it is certainly an enjoyable collection nonetheless and a valuable record in the trio’s discography, proving to many that their sound remains relevant even ten years later.
You can stream the full album via Telegraph U.K.
