The Fratellis - Costello Music (Universal / Island)
3/5
By: Gareth Roberts
The debut album from the latest big thing to emerge from Glasgow, The Fratellis are about as far removed from the city's traditional 'arty' exports as can be. Ask them about Monet and they'd think you're on about some poncey wine from Bargain Booze, ask them about Pop Art and they'd probably think you mean those things that you put in a toaster and fat kids eat for breakfast.
Kicking off (rarely has the phrase felt so apt) with 'Henrietta', a gloriously ramshackle rhythm that bounces along like a scally street urchin on a space hopper, the Fratellis' intention to establish themselves as serious contenders for next summers main stage headline spots is laid down in no uncertain terms. Comparisons to the Arctic Monkeys are inevitable, Jon's vocal is easily mistakable for Alex Turner's Sheffield twang, which is fair enough, or at least would be if the Fratellis weren't Glaswegian!
The record is essentially one big concoction of uplifting and joyous pop hooks, T-Rex style riffs and an underlying feeling of smuck and sleeze. 'Flathead' is one of the more youngster friendly tracks, mixing a tune that you'd expect to hear on a kids tv show with the obligatory sing along "ba ba ba ba ba ba", you can just picture a crowd of kids not old enough to drink and pissed up blokes looking for trouble all singing along in unison.
Yes they've got the tunes, but have they got much else? Have they got the attitude of Oasis? The mystery and unpredictability of the Libertines? In a word, no. But, as the purists would argue (and rightly so) it's all about the music, and to deny that the Fratellis have an ear for a downright crowd slaying anthem is like denying that the guy out of Keane is a bit chubby. 'Chelsea Dagger' is a case in point, and is surely one of the best singles of recent times. 'Whistle for the Choir' is their attempt to show they can write slower numbers too, and to be fair it's not a bad effort. 'For the Girl' is another singalong in waiting, this time the 'ba ba's...' replaced with 'la la's' (never let it be said these guys are one trick ponies!).
'Creepin Up The Backstairs', perhaps their most 'monkey-like' song, and keeps things ticking over nicely. 'Baby Fratelli' is another tune of monstrous proportions, although this time it does sound a little too forced, definitely one of the filler tracks. The album closes with 'Ole Black and Blue Eyes', a swoony number that brings a boozy, lairy, downright smut fest of a record to a fitting close. It's an album that oozes confidence, brims with tunes, and is likely to become the soundtrack to a lot of peoples' lives (well, for the next month or so at least).
Artists in this article: The Fratellis
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