Here We Stand

The Fratellis enjoys what it is doing

Scottish trio The Fratellis released quite a successful debut album Costello Music in 2006 that proved to be one of those British rock music representatives that are so popular on both sides of the Atlantic, i.e. simple, joyful short songs and plain lyrics combined with the musicians' indefatigable energy. Numerous performances have drawn the attention of many fans to the collective and now they are ready to listen to these not too serious songs twenty four seven. Last year The Fratellis announced that it was getting to work on the new material. Finally as summer begins the guys release their sophomore effort Here We Stand. The band has produced the record itself and the recording took place in its own studio in Glasgow. Unlike its predecessor Here We Stand has proved to be a collection of unexpectedly much more complicated pieces in the respect of arrangements, the songs' length has been increased the only thing practically not undergone any changes being still funny lyrics understood to anyone. Whether you like it or not but The Fratellis obviously enjoys what it is doing and its new album deserves praise.

All the necessary components for success on Here We Stand

Despite rather evident change in the very approach to music these guys optimistic and sullen at the same time do remain themselves. The accent on a complicated multilayered instrumental background is once again made on Here We Stand and not on the tunes variety or vocal parties that could astonish one's imagination. The album opens with a great composition My Friend John that is fully in The Fratellis' style catching the first record's mood wanting sing along. Track A Heady Talelike is refined with a marvelous piano that appears again only on the last one, Milk And Money, and each of the compositions can be called a highlight of Here We Stand. Another example of how the guys can have fun is a contagious song Shameless, while Look Out Sunshine!, a more sentimental piece although not devoid of a portion of sarcasm conquers with faultless drums. Composition Mistress Mabel is going to be appreciated by anyone who values classic rock whereas Jesus Stole My Baby pleases with interesting guitar hooks at the end of it. A harder thing Tell Me A Lie can actually boast the best vocals on the record and single Lupe Brown is another example of all the members of The Fratellis' harmonious playing. On the whole the record can easily become one of the year's most successful rock works for all the necessary components for that are by all means present on it.

More sarcasm, wicked irony and self critics

No matter what opinion of The Fratellis' new work the critics come to we can state without hesitating that the Scottish rockers' career has got a good continuation. Taking into account the fact that the requirements to a sophomore effort are generally rather significant for too many newcomers prove to be a one album band the guys have recorded a collection that literally balances on the thin edge between a failure and success. No doubt that compared to the debut album there are more fillers on Here We Stand but the new singles sound much more interesting and complicated and longer songs leave an opportunity to demonstrate what combinations the guitarists, vocalist and drummer are able to perform. As for the lyrics there are definitely more sarcasm, wicked irony and self critics in it with the guys not limiting themselves in the choice of words easily adopting obscene language. Although some of the songs may seem too long, especially those lasting over four minutes most of them deserve your attention. Whichever the destiny of The Fratellis' new album may be the number of viewers on its concerts is sure not to decrease.