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The FauvesThe Fauves Shock After 15 years the Fauves know their writing inside and out; what works and what doesn't. It's something they started to demonstrate on 2001's 'Footage Missing', which was an almost perfect crystallization of their pop sensibilities (of course, being the Fauves, it went criminally unnoticed). Here they've gone the other way: with 11 songs clocking in at under 34 minutes, 'The Fauves' is a distillation of their rock repertoire. No frills, no excess fat, none of the keyboards and machines of recent years, just their rawest, most guitar-oriented record since the heady days of 1996's breakthrough 'Future Spa'. Crucially, the Fauves' trademark sense of humour is also omnipresent. They tackle plastic surgery (Weak Chin), male impotence (You Wanted It), cross-dressing and cock-rock (Over The Line), new male sensitivity (Metrosexual) and provide a morality tale for all kiddies on Shouldn't Have Read Your Diary (their first spoken word outing, and possibly the most hilarious thing they've ever recorded). If they're lucky, you might even hear some songs on the radio, most likely Smoking Again (all 106 seconds of it), and The Doctor's cheery rumination on death, Slow Decline. However, there are also flat moments. Admirable though it might be, the political anger of Get F***ed and Jesus & Money is a little hackneyed and songs like On The Couch float by a little too easily. More importantly, the no-frills production means there's a lack of dynamics throughout; the album basically whacks along at one speed, then stops. As a result, it's as solid as anything the Fauves have done over the past decade but lacking the high points - and the production - to take its place in the pantheon. Nonetheless, 'The Fauves' is a showcase of just how good Coxy and Co. are becoming at writing tight, concise pop songs that don't compromise their subversive tendencies. For that reason alone it's required listening for fans and a good entry point for anyone wanting an introduction to this much-underrated band.  |
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