The Fratellis have a certain way with guitars and managed to cram their share of chunky riffs into their first two albums. ‘We Need Medicine’, their first release since ‘Here We Stand’ in 2008, is a change in direction but thankfully still retains their signature style.
After the trio plunged into an indefinite hiatus four years ago, it was doubtful whether we’d ever hear new things from them. We should definitely be glad that we are. On ‘Costello Music’, their debut, the hits were constant and unrelenting, while ‘Here We Stand’ concentrated a little more on complex guitar riffs.
‘We Need Medicine’ combines the two sides together, with several great hooks and technically impressive musicianship. But, it’s almost as though the Fratellis don’t really know what they want from this record - are they after storming pop choruses or heartfelt, bluesy riffs?
First single Seven Nights Seven Days is probably the poppiest offering here, with a commercially-friendly melody, but it feels a bit too safe for a band that has done a lot more in the past.
Whisky Saga is a classic Fratellis song, with their instantly recognisable guitar work and a familiar song structure, while the irresistible groove of She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving provides a melody to hold onto.
This Old Ghost Town is the album’s highlight, with a strong guitar line and sparkling piano touches, and injecting some fun into proceedings are the infectious Jeannie Nitro and the cheery title track, which is an earworm if there ever was one.
Unfortunately, next to the hits are the misses. Shotgun Shoes is naff while the monotonous This Is Not the End of the World becomes tiresome very quickly. ‘We Need Medicine’ might not be all that fans had hoped for, but when it’s good, it’s very, very good indeed.
Sun November 17th 2013 - BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy Bournemouth
Mon November 18th 2013 - LINCOLN Engine Shed
Tue November 19th 2013 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Wed November 20th 2013 - NORWICH Norwich Nick Rayns LCR UEA
Fri November 22nd 2013 - PRESTON 53 Degrees
Sat November 23rd 2013 - MARGATE Margate Winter Gardens
Sun November 24th 2013 - LONDON O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Tue November 26th 2013 - WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall
Wed November 27th 2013 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy
Fri November 29th 2013 - GLASGOW O2 Academy Glasgow
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