Glancing at a photo of Fear Of Music, some people might disregard them on the assumption that they are yet another generic indie band. Well, all that can be said is ‘more fool them’. These fresh-faced Mancunians are anything but generic.
Since being spotted in 2001 during their teenage years, Fear Of Music have been pricking up ears nationwide, give or take a few line-up changes along the way. Having provided support for some impressive names including Manic Street Preachers, Silversun Pickups and Mute Math, and with a handful of impressive EPs under their wing already, it isn’t surprising that they have established a fast-growing fanbase.
At the front line is Jo Rose in command of penning and delivering the vocals, slashing up lead guitar and providing an occasional tinkling of the ivories. Also up for the fight is Mike Ward adding to the explosion of guitar while donating backing vocals, Ali Esmaail supplying stocky bass and new addition Rick Morgan tearing up the drum skins. Such a combination of talent within the band creates the atmospheric, perfectly-crafted raucousness that Fear Of Music personify.
In the past, Fear Of Music have been described as “math rock”, “electronic rock” and plain old “alternative”, yet none of these pigeonholes seem entirely fitting. Maybe it’s as hard to imagine as it is to categorise, but Fear Of Music’s material is like nothing heard before. Sure, now and again, certain features of their songs are reminiscent of other bands. Despite this, a concoction of sound like the brash force Fear Of Music bring is bound to be news to the ears of many, possibly the most refreshing news anyone could have wished for in a time numbed by the throwaway monotony of indie poser-clones.
As an attempt to describe their massive, mixed-up sound, let’s pretend Fear of Music are a pizza. Of course, with a sound as loud as theirs, it’d have to be an extra large stuffed crust, oozing with angst and intoxicating flavour. At the base would be a salty dough mix of Placebo and early Manics with, perhaps, a seasoning of Dandy Warhols. Smother that with some spicy Sonic Youth sauce and chuck on some ambiguous, mature lyrics [but hold the cheese]. Top it all off with a handful of Muse mushrooms [which have been kept since the Muscle Museum era] and a sprinkling of Smashing Pumpkins. Now you’re starting to build up an image of what one of the band’s masterpieces may feature. Sounds interesting, right?
Their single “First To Go” was released earlier this month and was Single Of The Week on Steve Lamacq’s BBC Radio 6 Music. With a recommendation like that, there’s no excuse not to listen to Fear Of Music.
Try something different – forget your melophobia and check out Fear Of Music.
