Album Review: FIDLAR – FIDLAR

FIDLAR
FIDLAR
Mom + Pop Records

We all have those days where we’re feeling feisty and ready to go out and stir up some trouble. LA-based FIDLAR’s new self-titled release is one way to get into that mindset. This record is oozing with raw power; high-energy vocals and high voltage, fuzzed out guitars make up the framework of the album. It’s a great listen before a raucous night out, to get pumped up and get ready to mess around. From the very beginning of the first song, this record puts the listener in head-banging mode; heavy drums, raging guitars, screaming vocals and tonnes of feedback set the scene. Transported into the mindset of slam-dancing in a dark, sweaty dive bar, the listener really gets pulled in; I found it really hard not to nod along with the music when I was listening to it while riding public transport.

FIDLAR is reminiscent of fellow Californian Lo-fi band Wavves, in both sound and subject matter. Ranging from topics such as surfing and skateboarding to drinking and smoking a bowl, the repertoire has a distinctly Californian air about it, but with an edge. And though some of the songs on the album are aggressive and abrasive, others still have a bit of sunshine in them. The songs on the album have a sort of comforting familiarity to them, à la The Ramones; the song structures are simple and short, but that’s what makes them work. Overall, FIDLAR wears Punk Rock well; the band is worth keeping an eye on, and this album is definitely worth a listen.

-Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky (Twitter @marisodo)

fidlarmusic.com

momandpopmusic.com