Since Fairweather's underground hit 'If they move, kill them' the band have been on steady tours throughout the States, recorded this album and released a small EP last year by the name of 'Alaska'. Nothing groundbreaking, but throughout the whole time they have steadily carved out a reputation as a tight band who make concise and powerful music. With their latest release they simply confirm the fact and aim to put the name 'Fairweather' on the tip of more peoples tongues.
The Alaska EP was the first sign of the bands progression since 'If they move' and showed a more organic and experimental side to the four piece which was previously unheard of on their debut release. 'Lusitania' shows how much they have grown up as a band, and how far they have come in such a short time.
Tracks such as 'Derivative Opener' and '1195' are the perfect example of this as we see the stark contrast between the more bouncy and upbeat emo stylings of their debut. Eclectic moments such as this highlight the fact they don't want to be pigeon holed as another emo-rock outfit with little ingenuity shown. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it shows invention which certain quarters lack these days. Self titled track 'Lusitania' is our first fray into Fairweather of old and proves they are still capable of showing the metal of previous pastures. 'Letter of intent' is pacey, bitter and stormy making itself standout with flurries of noise and emotion while 'The treachury of images' is the calm to the previous track’s storm. 'I dread the time' is hauntingly dark with whiny guitar hooks dominating the song and exemplary vocals are prominent on standout track 'Silent Jury'.
'Mercer Island' and 'Slow to standing' are compassionate without ever really capturing the imagination, which is a shame as they feature more clever arrangements, while an epic intro brings us into 'Concrete Atlas'. Unfortunately with the latter end of the album you tend to get a feeling of deja vu as certain songs lend themselves to each other creating a hybrid of what we have already heard. This maybe no bad thing, but a feeling of over familiarity does become more prominent as the album goes on.
Fairweather have made their mark on a triumphant return to the crowded emo market, with an album that will arguably both earn and lose the band fans. Although some songs can become familiar with each other over time, the band should be applauded for trying something slightly different. And it just about makes the grade.
Jay
