Frankie & The Heartstrings - Hunger - 21.02.2011

Just so there's no confusion, this review of the album, and last week's was of the single. Phew, know I've got that out of the way, I enjoyed the single enough to make me want to hear the album, and here's what I thought:

There is something brilliantly innocent about Frankie & The Heartstrings. Whether it’s the infectious and breezy guitar riffs, the recognisable yet distinctive vocals of Frankie Francis or the Vampire Weekend-style optimism, you find yourself smiling or toe-tapping with this precise selection of indie pop numbers without realising it. And that’s where debut album ‘Hunger’ is at its best.

The Sunderland five-piece have been put firmly near the forefront of the new rock revitalisation, alongside the likes of The Vaccines and Yuck, and do not disappoint with this first release. There is a simplicity and happiness locked into these songs, complete with ‘yeah, yeah’s’ and ‘woo, woo’s’, that harks back to Orange Juice and even the Beach Boys.

First single and title track ‘Hunger’ is the perfect example of this and the album’s highlight; immediately kicking in with a hooking guitar riff, pacy and driven, full of ‘oh, oh, oh’s’ and telling tales about starting a band and coming out tonight. ‘That Postcard’ is in the same vein – heralded by giggles, another grabbing riff and lights on its feet. Swelling opener ‘Photograph’ and downbeat but irrepressible ‘Want You Back’ follow in suit, while ‘Possibilities’ has the feel it came straight from ‘Pet Sounds’ – if you added in quicker drums and skinny jeans.

‘It’s Obvious’ is a Franz Ferdinand-esque moody rocker, and the sheer freedom in the spirit of the album is epitomised by ‘Tender’. Frankie sings, in his never waning Jack Penate vocals, ‘I’ll be yours/You’ll be mine’ in a happy-go-lucky sing-a-long, along with xylophone dashes and ‘woo, woo’s’ that you can’t help but be caught up by. Contagious from first exposure.

Sure, if you look closely, there are some cracks. ‘Ungrateful’ doesn’t really seem to go anywhere in its lumbering beat, while the changeable ‘Fragile’ jumps from mellow malaise to semi-release without much effect and its goes on too long. Also, final track ‘Don’t Look Surprised’ has the definite feel of a last song and it again carries on too long in its bitterness. But these don’t detract from a solid album.

‘Hunger’ is a fine debut release; its buoyant style, complete with catchy guitar hooks and bright displays from the band (forefronted by the unwavering Francis) make for a more than worthwhile listen, and a sparkling 34 minutes of indie pop. It justifies the buzz that is starting to build around Frankie & The Heartstrings, and the hype may just begin to gather pace as this album gains the exposure it is worthy of enjoying.

And, seeing as I've already got the video to my favourite track 'Hunger' on this blog, here's a pretty decent one from the album - it's Frankie & The Heartstrings with 'Tender'.

NWR