There are very few pieces of music that I can start playing and instantly feel elated. It could be the melody, or just the message that the song is trying to get across; either way, The Fratellis, a rather new alternative rock band from Scotland are able to do this with their song “Flathead.”
The song starts off simple enough – it has almost a jungle-type feel to it, with an acoustic guitar playing a short riff and noises similar to thunder in the background. But it continues to build, once the band’s lead singer Jon Fratelli starts to sing a simple couplet. Then the song bursts into a brief moment of elevation, with Jon shouting his lyrics. It alternates between jungle-theme and loud rock, and then finally the band pulls the song into one of the catchiest themes I’ve ever heard – a few measures in a 7/8 time signature. Although this part of the song contains no actual lyrics, it is extremely energizing, and fun to sing along to.
I’ve found that essentially all of The Fratellis’ music is like this; it’s somewhat simple to listen to, and quite easy to pick up on. Think about some early singles by The Beatles, such as “Love Me Do” – those songs were incredibly easy to learn the lyrics to, and just fun to be a part of while singing along with them. This is what The Fratellis have accomplished with only two LPs.
While both LPs are catchy, however, they do differ somewhat in their styles. Their first album, released in 2006, is called “Costello Music.” The tracks found on this album have a punk-influenced sound, but are poppy at the same time. “Flathead” along with some other faster-paced songs such as “Henrietta” and “Baby Fratelli” are found on this album. Their second album, in contrast, is a little more mellowed out. Entitled “Here We Stand,” it was released in mid-2008. Some of its slower songs include: “Acid Jazz Singer,” “Lupe Brown,” and “Milk and Money.”
Depending on whether you’re in the mood to listen to fast-paced music or slower-paced music, The Fratellis have given you a distinct choice. Both albums contain extremely catchy songs, so either way you’ll be able to pick up on the music quickly. “Costello Music” has generally gotten higher ratings than “Here We Stand,” but it should be noted that the latter was released in the same week as British rock band Coldplay’s fourth studio album, which may have skewed the ratings slightly.
So if you’re looking for an alternative rock group to shout your lungs out to, The Fratellis could be a prime choice of yours. Their varying styles of music will keep you interested, and you just may find yourself feeling joyous for no apparent reason while listening to them, like me.
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