Labels: awkward core
Review by: Joe Callaghan
This could really go either way and I am still yet to make my mind up enough to consider my decision concrete. Fewn have the odds stacked up against them completely. The musicianship is pitiable and often ghastly. The tone of the instruments sound contemptible which resonate no real character or warmth. The production sounds homespun, which is by no means a negative feat, but it does append the unimposing impression the sound of the record leaves on first listen. So, this could either be a badly put together record played by a band punching way above their weight, or this could be a completely unpretentious record played by a band that are just doing the best they can with what they’ve got. From the shrewdly spun wittiness combined with audacious immaturity weaved into the lyrics and hooks, I’d like to think it is the latter. It endows a similar comical drollness to They Might Be Giants, sporting a similar musical style, but boasting more analogue, rusty instrumentation opposed to TMBG’s dance-y, layered mixture of slick electronics and digitally manipulated guitars. I can’t say that’s a fair comparison, as it lacks the instant urgency and intellect of the two John’s, but so do most bands who attempt to intertwine the tongue-in-cheek satire into their off-kilter pop music efforts “” so that’s okay. Whilst not being completely enthralled by Fewn, this record tries hard “” but not too hard “” and it shows. They have put together a record of fuzzy, lo-fi “funpop’ with as much creativity as their limited musicianship can operate with no risk of being branded a copyist of any sort, and that is exceedingly commendable.