The Fratellis - Costello Music

I recently interviewed Barry from The Fratellis. He was fun to talk to, and it prompted me to post the review I did of their debut album a couple of months ago. Having spoken to the band, I like to think I got it pretty spot-on:THE FRATELLIS
Costello Music

Some bands want to reinvent the wheel. Some bands want to save the world. Some bands want to tell you all about their tortured souls. Scotland’s The Fratellis seem to desire nothing more than for you to sing and dance to their unabashed, sweaty, raucous, nostalgic rock ’n’ roll music.

Because of this, Costello Music isn’t remotely groundbreaking, and at times, actually plays like a cut-and-paste history of British indie rock. It’s has the upbeat, joyous disposition of Supergrass, the drunken swagger of Oasis and the glam of T Rex, not least on standout track Chelsea Dagger.

There’s not much hidden depth to Costello Music, but it is inarguably enjoyable. Jaunty opening track Henrietta is a perfect indicator of what is to follow, and if the band’s intention was to cram as many frighteningly catchy riffs and choruses into one record then they’ve succeeded. Even one of the few moments of relative calm - the slower, acoustic Whistle For The Choir, has an absolutely massive chorus seemingly designed for festival crowds to holler along to.

With the shameless retro of Costello Music, The Fratellis draw comparisons with Jet, but that shouldn’t necessarily put you off. Admittedly, there is nothing new on offer here, but there is also nothing contrived about it, and certainly there is enough energy, fun and infectiousness to make this a good, sing-along album. Nothing more, nothing less. Oh, and if ever a record sounded like a drunken night on the town, it’s this one.