Fat White Family - Forgiveness Is Yours (Album Review)
Wednesday, 01 May 2024
Written by Katie Macbeth
Photo: Louise Mason
It hasn’t always been easy for Fat White Family’s music to cut through the noise, the drugs, the nudity, the provocation and the headlines. But the south London art-rock band’s fourth album, their first in five years, showcases a newfound sense of refinement as they explore various genres with a chameleonic approach.
‘Forgiveness Is Yours’ starts on solid, familiar ground, though, as opener The Archivist exemplifies the band's unique essence, blending poetic lyrics with ethereal woodwind elements, creating an almost wholesome listening experience only for vocalist Lias Saoudi’s lavish spoken word to add another layer as he delves into his past unravelings and comes to terms with his shortcomings.
The fever dream John Lennon then showcases Saoudi’s eccentric lyrical style as he recounts a story of encountering Yoko Ono while under the influence of ketamine, only to feel the presence of the former Beatle’s spirit later gradually taking over.
Bullet of Dignity and Polygamy Is For The Chief, meanwhile, are examples of Fat White Family at their best.
The former’s polished synths complement a rebellious vocal that oozes with a sense of desire, while the latter is an irresistible glam-industrial number that features aggressive guitar work from Adam Harmer, whose understated backing vocals help to strike an uncomfortable balance between styles.
Visions Of Pain is akin to an extension of the band’s 2019 LP ‘Serfs Up!’, presenting a disorienting compilation of unsettling dreams accompanied by energetic new wave. On the other hand, Religion For One propels the band into uncharted territory, resembling an alternate universe Bond theme where the super spy prompts listeners to thoughtfully scrutinise conventional beliefs and values while tackling power dynamics, gender, race, and societal constructs.
Fat White Family continue to provide a distinctive and unique experience, ensuring that listeners are always conscious of encountering something truly special. ‘Forgiveness Is Yours’ deepens their mythology while contributing to the band’s transgressive appeal, offering a collection of songs that challenge expectations while remaining fascinating.
Fat White Family Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sat June 08 2024 - BRISTOL SWX
Sun June 09 2024 - SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
Mon June 10 2024 - CARDIFF Tramshed
Wed June 12 2024 - LIVERPOOL Hangar34
Thu June 13 2024 - MANCHESTER New Century
Fri June 14 2024 - GLASGOW Garage
Sat June 15 2024 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Boiler Shop
Sun June 16 2024 - GLASGOW Garage
Tue June 18 2024 - LEEDS Project House
Wed June 19 2024 - LONDON Troxy
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