Fathom Lane - Fathom Lane
 |
| Fathom Lane - Fathom Lane |
There has been a recent spate of
bands coming out with albums that are named after the band who has recorded the
album. Now, I understand that you're proud of your band but at least make the
effort to create something as a title or even just name it after one of the
album tracks. It's like naming your child but not giving them an awesome middle
name, a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, Minneapolis combo Fathom Lane have an
album out and, regardless of name, it is my sworn duty to listen to it and then
tell you what I think - it's the bloggers oath. The album opens up with 'Lazy',
an organ infused piece of 70s lounge rock that could be the incidental music
for the non-threatening scene in an American cop show....but it's not.
'Sugardown' follows and is a mellower affair with sweeping country guitars and
a steady backbeat before 'Dream Her Name' comes in with sinister keys and a
shuffling rhythm that suggests all is not well in downtown Minneapolis.
It's no surprise that a band who
list their influences as Gram Parsons, Velvet Underground and Nick Drake create
dark, country tinged music with sumptuous layers of organs running throughout.
It's no surprise but it sure is a treat. Indeed, Fathom Lane's version of the
classic 'Perfect Day' is both authentic and refreshing as Michael Ferrier and
Ashleigh Still share the vocal duties atop some woozy guitars that give you
that feeling you get when you've been lying in the sun too long and you can't
focus on anything but the inside of your eyelids anymore. And then they hit you
with 'Ache Me', a manic piece of Doors-esque madness, and the marvellously
titled 'Waltzing Blue Jesus' which is a sunshine fuelled piece of country rock
that reminds me how much I love the Treetop Flyers. Those gorgeous organ tones
are back on 'The Nightshade' as Ferrier caresses notes out of his Rhodes that
sound like a good whisky would taste.
These guys are, in the best
country traditions, a bit of a collective and this comes to the fore on 'Grey
Dress' as some excellent lap steel takes centre stage to give the song a
dream-like quality that no other instrument can achieve. The sinister mood
comes back on 'Jack Knife' as soft vocals and a stabbing bass line creep in to
your subconscious before fully unleashing in the chorus. The album comes to a
climax with the beautiful 'Golden Delicious', a song that swells with emotion
but would sound just as powerful if played on an old acoustic guitar on a porch
during the early evening of a summer's day. Fathom Lane have created a pure and
honest album which is equal parts reflective and optimistic, so if you like
your music with a little bit of country and soul then you should check these
guys out for sure. Despite their lack of album title imagination...
More information: https://www.facebook.com/FathomLane
Live Dates:
19th April - First Avenue, Minneapolis w/The Ericksons + And
The Professors + Farewell Milwaukee
26th April - Mid West Music Fest, Winona
9th May - House Show, Northfield