Screw 'difficult second album syndrome!
In the sphere of musical criticism the phrase “difficult second album” seems to have been implanted into the minds of anyone who has ever liked a début LP, ever. It's used to describe a feeling of concern over a fledging bands future prospects in the callous world of an industry based on profit and continued success. A fear begins to grow in the studio. Can the band in question keep up the drive and momentum to satisfy an anxious fanbase? Can they surpass previous work and give us even more? Well, if we're talking about Welsh crusaders, Future Of The Left, who release their second offering 'Travels with myself and another' on June 22nd, post debut nerves don't seem to be an issue.
From the first guitar riff which sails into life accompanied by a steady drumbeat on opener, 'Arming Eritrea',the song suddenly explodes into being, marking the mesmeric return of the rocker three-piece. 'Difficult second album syndrome' is suddenly cured in a matter of seconds and we can get on with loving ever bit of the thunderous, ferocious and farcical, 33 minutes of sound.
Second song,'Chin Music' a fast paced lament to modern male identity, continues to excite the ears with excellent lyrics from Falkous and his war crying voice, an amazing instrumental collaboration of searing guitar, floor vibrating bass(Kelson Louis Mattias) and a head banging drumbeat(Jack Egglestone). Every moment of 'Chin Music' makes you want to move. It lifts everything up to a brighter, fuller level and it's hard not to press replay the second it ends, just to hear it again.
Third song,'The Hope That House Built' previously released as a single in March with accompanying music video, has a slightly jazzy feel to it, albeit with the added inclusion of trademark yelps and shouts from Falkous. With lines such as, “turn around, face our deepest fears. Re-imagine God as a mental illness” we start to appreciate the wit of Future of the Left. No topic, regardless of importance is taken too seriously. It's a welcome relief from the gathering storm of current bands on a mission of seriousness and only adds to cement the albums motifs.
'Throwing Bricks At Trains' perfectly demonstrates that the inclusion of a synthesiser in a rock album is not to be feared with a synth intro that is reminiscent of a Nintendo theme. Synth heavy 'You Need Satan More Than He Needs You' is arguably one of the best tracks. It throws you instantly into a grinding, powerful head spin which tells the story of a modern Satanist and his daily difficulties in life like, finding a babysitter and sacrificing goats. If that's not originality, then what the Hell is?
'I Am Civil Service' and 'Stand By Your mManatee' (surely both nominees for 'best song title' of the year) clearly show the range of dynamics in the band. There's so much going on but nothing gets lost and that's a credit to both the band as well as the production on 'Travels With Myself And Another'.
In short 'Travels With Myself And Another' is a gem of musical achievement. The Welsh trio have far surpassed their acclaimed debut 'Curses' with a fantastic 12 songs that show off their tight dynamic structure and their tongue in cheek poke at modern life. Nothing here is lacking either musically or structurally and this is an album which will sit at the top of your playlist for weeks, without ever getting dull. While nothing in life is perfect, 'Travels With Myself And Another' comes pretty damn close.