Fabulous Artisans - ...from red to blue Singles Collection
by Anthony Middleton
published: 9 / 10 / 2008
Label:
Bendi Records
Format: CD
intro
Accomplished and timeless,intelligent pop music on collection of singles which won't appear on their soon-to-be released debut album from Scottish duo, the Fabulous Artisans
This is all a bit confusing. An album of singles from a forthcoming album, 'From Red to Blue', along with their B-sides, that won’t be on the album. The three singles began to be released over one month, starting with 'Return (Lord I Can’t)' on September 15, 'Sycamore Square' on September 29 and 'Say Hello To The Summer' on October 13. The album is released two weeks after that. But, you can then buy all the singles and b-sides collected together (which is what I have) at some point in the future. Hmmm. This is all a bit elaborate for an debut. Remember when it was considered bad form to release singles on albums ? But the songs are good. A collaboration between Scots Neil Crossan and Jeremy Thoms, this is timeless, intelligent pop music, aware of and in control of its influences. Crossan launches into 'Return (Lord I Can’t'), full throated and fully in control as guitars swirl around his strong melodic vocal. A bit Edward Collins and, given the lower register of the singing, Scott Walker, are present in spirit. Crossan, a former actor who in 1981 was in an Oscar winning short film, has a strong, clear voice that enunciates perfectly, though occasionally with a slightly irritating mid-Atlantic twang. 'Sycamore Square' is probably the most successful of the singles, a breezy, up-tempo portrait of urban life as told by through regretful recollection. Crossan, again full of gusto, comes in on the first beat, barely takes a breath and gives a performance worth of early Scott Walker. 'Say Hello to the Summer' could have been a calculated attempt at the charts, had it not been released in mid October. The B-sides, understandably are more playful, both musically and thematically. 'Mr Misery' sees a transformation in Crossan’s vocals; suddenly there’s a near Mockney accent singing what could be a Small Faces number, even early, chirpy Bowie. This fluttering around genres continues with 'Instamatic' when electronic, 80s pop takes over with cascading synths and a vocal that sounds half Human League, half Pet Shop Boys. This continues with 'Trust', which again recalls Phil Oakey’s golden years. Still in a demo format, Queen’s Park, is probably the most promising song here. Just backed by an electric guitar, Crossan delivers a more restrained, downbeat anthem. While Crossan’s vocals grab you by the lapels and demand your attention, he certainly has an unusual versatility, not far short of mimicry, as well. Thoms who largely wrote the songs, and performs most of the instruments, is obviously the driving force and hugely talented. If the album (not the singles collection you understand) 'Red to Blue' is as good as the best of this collection, and it ducks and dives around pop genres a bit less, it could be a great piece of serious, accomplished pop.
Track Listing:-
1 Return (Lord I Can't)2 Sycamore Square
3 Say Hello To The Summer
4 Mr. Misery
5 Instamatic
6 Trust
7 The Last Days Of Spring (instrumental)
8 Queen's Park (demo)
9 Don't Cry Wolf (alternative mix)
reviews |
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained (2020) |
Excellent first single in over five years from harmonic Scottish duo the Fabulous Artisans |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Flaming Stars - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Kula Shaker - Natural MagickIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for Bread
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Inutili - A Love Supreme
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart