Bands change. Sometimes that is gradual, and sometimes it is sudden. The new album from The Fierce & the Dead is a sudden change, though I would also say it was in the cards for some time. The album is called News from the Invisible World and it releases on July 28th.
The Fierce & the Dead come to us from the UK and have been at it since 2010. I first heard them with 2013’s Spooky Action, which is still a great album. Over the years, their sound has progressed from gritty, sweaty, and raw to smooth, electronic at times, and full of synth. Indeed, they used to be the type of band I’d imagine with blood dripping from their fingers as they play their hands to the bone, but they’ve become more reserved and more interesting, I daresay, in recent times. The lineup for this album includes Matt Stevens on guitar, synths, keys, programming; Steve Cleaton on guitar, synths, programming, Kev Feazey on bass, vocals, synths, keys, programming; and Stuart Marshall on drums, percussion, programming. You will hear an array of guests on various instruments, such as sax, trumpet, piano, and backing vocals.
Vocals: that should stand out to anyone who knows anything about this band. The Fierce & the Dead have always been an instrumental band. They were more about hard rock and even metal songs with novel or clever titles. Now, they have vocals from bassist Kev Feazey, and their entire tone has shifted. They sound more British, obviously, but also more alternative, melodic, and perhaps a dash of stoner now. There is something dreamy, creamy, and bold about their music in this form.
Now, I know that other bands have transitioned from instrumental to vocalist-led. It doesn’t always turn out well. Here, though, Kev has a wonderfully mellow voice that has some grit and gravy when it should. I would say that he reminds me of a New Wave vocalist at time as he does have that gravitas. His performance here is admirable and excellent.
For the band’s part, the music is still chugging, flowing, anecdotal ear candy. I love how the band has changed focus from intricate portions and weird time signatures to something more accessible, breathable, and beautiful. It gives Kev space to sing, and it increases the effectiveness of the heavier parts when they arrive. And the band knows how to write hooks and accommodate them musically, too. That part actually surprised me. This album is catchy.
The album has eight tracks and is about 42 minutes long. I’ll talk about each half individually. The first four tracks are a delight. I like the slow build of “The Start” as it eventually erupts into a sweaty rock portion near the end. The blaring bass and hot rhythm section really sell the next track, “Shake the Jar”, as it drives and reels satisfyingly. “Golden Thread” comes next, and is one of my favorites. It’s the first song where Kev flexes his voice spaciously, and yet I love the superb guitar work and the explosive transitions. So good. It leads into “Photogenic Love”, the single catchiest song on the album. Seriously, I sing that one all the time; the beat and hook are just so tight and attractive.
The second half gets a little hazier. “Wonderful” is a misty and quirky track with weird punches of brass and a buzzing main guitar lick that, once you get it, really works. “Non-player” is jazzy and low-key, and I like how it contrasts dirty sax with reservation and space. “What a Time To Be Alive” is another one with bulky guitars and easy rhythm to it, but it gives space to ambience and class, too, and I really like it; it is the only instrumental track on the record. The closer “Nostalgia Now” really focuses on vocals, and I love that. Kev sounds fantastic with all his little musings and idiosyncrasies, and the song climaxes in looming, almost doomy fashion with sparkling keys and dark guitars. I absolutely love it.
The Fierce & the Dead have created their best album. I have nothing against their instrumental past—I’m still a fan. But News from the Invisible World has character, personality, and heart in addition to the pumping blood and sweaty hands at the band’s heart. The combination is colorful and just so fun to hear and now sing along with, too.
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