NewMusic First Spin: Future of the Left
June 17th, 2009
It’s never fun when a band you love pack it in. Especially when a member or members later on resurface with newfound inspiration to make music that they feel is so much “truer to their artistry and integrity.” Yuck. None of that please…
So when it was announced four years ago that Welsh sludge punk cynics Mclusky were calling it a day, there was reason to be sad. But then also suspicious when members Andy “Falco” Falkous (singer/guitarist) and Jack Egglestone (drummer) reappeared a few months later with bassist Kelson Mathias in Future of the Left.
Boy was I wrong for doubting them. I have to admit though, when FOTL released their debut album, Curses, back in September 2007, I kind of snubbed it. I think it was an act of protest or maybe just doubt, but boy was I foolish. Going back to it now, I’ve discovered that the album is one of those rare affirmations that we don’t have to settle for throwaway post-break-up bands like Angels and Airwaves and +44, or even Foo Fighters.
June 23rd sees the release of FOTL’s second album, Travels With Myself and Another, not only an even stronger effort by the band, but also one of the year’s better pop records. Pop? What? Yes, behind the coarse guitars and that scathing yet amusing commentary spat by frontman Falco are 12 tightly wound ragers that are as well-endowed in the hook department as anything atop Billboard’s Hot 100.
Of course, that’s all just my opinion. Do Future of the Left stand a chance of ever sitting above a Jonas or Miley record? Give the album a listen and decide for yourself. You’ll likely say no, but I guarantee you’ll have the urge to all of a sudden start “Throwing Bricks At Trains” or go harass some “Lapsed Catholics” afterwards.
Listen to the entire album first spin HERE
Artist: Future of the Left
Album: Travels With Myself And Another
Release Date: June 23, 09
Label: 4AD Records
Genre: Rock/Punk Revival
Author: Cam Lindsay
Track Listing:
1. Arming Eritrea
2. Chin Music
3. The Hope That House Built
4. Throwing Bricks At Trains
5. I Am Civil Service
6. Land Of My Formers
7. You Need Satan More Than He Needs You
8. That Damned Fly
9. Stand By Your Manatee
10. Yin/Post-Yin
11. Drink Nike
12. Lapsed Catholics
Posted on Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 1:31 pm by Klye and is filed under The New Music.
I Saw these live at summer sundae festival in august just gone.was fuckin ace!