The Fratellis Here We Stand Album Review
Scottish Trio Stand Strong on Sophomore Release
Jul 2, 2009
Much is said in the music industry about the importance of an artist’s second album. The clichéd term ‘sophomore slump’ accompanies the release of many of these albums much more often that other well-worn phrases, such as ‘a breath of fresh air.’ And why is this heavy emphasis placed on the second collection of music that an artist offers to the public?
Because it is often the make or break album.
Overwhelming success on a debut album followed by a sophomore release which fails to live up to expectations often relegates an artist to one-hit-wonder status, never to be heard from again. A solid debut album followed by a mediocre follow-up is often enough for a label to pull backing from an artist, if not enough to kill their career all together.
Furthermore, adhering too much to the sound of a debut album and failing to show any creative growth can cause an artist to be labeled as stale or formulaic; while veering too far off the previously charted artistic course can alienate an artist’s fan base. Keeping all this in mind, the importance of a solid sophomore album becomes readily apparent.
Where the Fratellis Stand
The Fratellis’ Here We Stand exemplifies what sophomore albums are supposed to be. Following a solid release in 2006’s Costello Music, the Fratellis (consisting of guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Jon Fratelli, bassist Barry Fratelli, and drummer Mince Fratelli) developed a solid worldwide fan base with their mix of hard-rock guitar riffs and pop melodies.
While not an original concept, this Scottish trio found what they did well and they continue to do so with Here We Stand. Much of the same catchy sing-along choruses are still mixed with enough solid guitar playing that the Fratellis manage to maintain rock credibility, while experimenting with some softer sounding songs which demonstrate a maturation of their sound from Costello Music.Catchy rock numbers such as ‘Got Ma Nuts From a Hippy,’ ‘Flathead,’ and ‘Baby Fratelli’ from Costello Music are still present on Here We Stand in ‘Shameless’ and ‘Mistress Mabel,’ standout tracks from the album.
‘Look Out Sunshine’ matches the mellower ‘Whistle for the Choir’ from Costello Music, though possibly a little too closely. From there though the Fratellis chose to follow a softer path than they had on Costello Music. Songs such as ‘Baby Doll’ and ‘A Heady Tale’ might not have as heavy of guitar lines as there earlier counterparts but the same catchy songwriting is still present. Jon Fratelli then pushes his writing further toward the end of Here We Stand, closing with the straight Beatlesque pop of ‘Lupe Brown’ and the piano-driven ‘Milk and Money.’
While some fans may be alienated by this slightly softer side of the Fratellis, it shows a certain maturity and a willingness to break far enough from tested waters to avoid sounding stale or redundant only two albums into their career.
With Here We Stand, the curse of the sophomore slump passes the Fratellis by and gives them the chance to continue to hone their pop-rock sensibilities and possibly evolve to where their third album will be that much needed breath of fresh air.
 |
