Tales Don't Tell Themselves,
Funeral For A Friend
It's undoubted that FFAF have been on a musical journey. From the early EPs and the aggressive edge which set them apart from many other bands, right through to the commercial success of 'Hours' - Funeral are a band who have matured and progressed with every record that has passed. 'Tales Don't Tell Themselves' is the band's own highlight, you can tell. For starters it sounds huge, there are strings, layers of guitars and huge choruses which take the band from one of the underground's brightest hopes to bona fide arena rock stars.
That, of course, doesn't make any record a great one. And for all the hype and rave reviews the mainstream press have already given this record, I feel let down by it. 'Into Oblivion' is a great starting point for this record. the album's opening track it sets the tone - this is a melodic album that loses the violence and aggression, it loses the band's old edge. In its place is a more mature, fuller sound. The band sound better for it, of that there's no doubt, but they've grown into a big rock band of which there are many around. And while 'Tales...' is enjoyable I'm sure I'll find myself digging out 'Juneau' and the band's earlier hits in the future. A concept album based on a fisherman and the high seas, everything about this record is more grandiose than previously.
And while some of the tracks are still quite impressive, I feel too many lack the bite which originally made the band stand out. 'Out of Reach' sticks out as it's that bit quicker and more forceful, while 'Walk Away' is a possible single in waiting. 'On A Wire' is a really nice song too, although it's not very FFAF-like. I can't dismiss this record because it's not as if it's bad by any means - it's just the sound of a band growing up and taking their sound on a notch or two. And that's all well and good, it's just not the sound I feel this band are suited too. Commercial success both sides of the pond is probable, but I think long-term fans might end up a little disappointed.
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