Words by Tracey Moyle {Music Maven Events}
Perth pop-rockers The Faim have released their eagerly awaited sophomore album ‘Talk Talk’, and there’s absolutely no doubt it will have everyone talking.
‘Talk Talk’ follows on from the band’s 2019 highly acclaimed debut album ‘State Of Mind’, which put these young Aussie rockers on the ‘ones to watch’ list, and this new album reinforces that sentiment. From the first play-through, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled onto a band teetering on the edge of world domination.
The Faim have a versatility that shines across rock, pop, synth-pop, and pop-punk. Frontman Josh Raven’s powerfully emotive vocals are melodically flawless in all instances. This album however has seen the band step away from their earlier 2000’s pop-punk influence. The move into a synth-heavy pop-rock direction for this latest offering shows vocal and musical versatility and an evident desire to follow their own musical instincts. Following those instincts has more than paid off. ‘Talk Talk’, without a doubt, is packed with anthemic passion, catchy hooks and impetuously danceable tracks.
The album opens with a full range of emotive vocals from Raven, in the first track, madly, badly, fixed. The song starts off under guise of a heartfelt ballad but soon builds into an energetic number exploding with passion. This synth-driven rock track is just a taster of what is to come.
Anthemic second single The Hills, burst out into the airwaves and deservedly onto commercial radio. The song is lyrically relatable as Raven sings about ‘that place’ you go to disconnect from chaos and reconnect with yourself. In their case, it’s ‘the hills’ around their hometown, Perth. The track is infectious and likely to have you dancing around the house or office (or anywhere). Combine this with Raven’s ability to pour expression into his vocals, the song evokes an urge to hit repeat.
There is an undeniable quality of constant evolution with The Faim. The band will never be accused of sounding repetitive. You (And My Addiction) embraces electro-pop vibes combined seamlessly with the smooth rock vocals that stand out through the chorus. The heavy addition of keyboards to many tracks on this album adds an undeniable spark.
As I mentioned, ‘Talk Talk’ finds the band delving into various aspects of expression, both musically and vocally. The Alchemist has an almost chilled beachy vibe with acoustic rhythms and a steady beat while Life In A Cinema ups the beat into a catchy pop-rock track, followed by Faith In Me taking the mellow road.
The Faim exploded back into our lives in 2021 after the Covid pause, with the upbeat and incredibly infectious rock track Ease My Mind. This track alone has ‘fame’ written all over it. This solid pop-rock track has everything a hit song needs. While their latest release, the very danceable Me Because Of You brings back the bands synth-pop mood, it keeps the beat flowing. Bassist/keyboardist Stephen Beerkens, previously commented on this track saying it’s about; “embracing change and letting go of a past version of yourself”. This is also a perfect summary of the ‘Talk Talk’ as a whole.
The flow continues with Flowers and Jealous Love bringing out Raven’s vocal superpower, pulling you in from the heartstrings. The album rounds off with the massive pop-rock track ERA. The band recently commented on the tracks meaning being about “closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next” – the perfect analogy for the next phase of The Faim.
The Faim, in my opinion, is one of the most exciting young bands this country has seen in a while. And I don’t say this lightly because, if you know anything about the Australian music scene, you will know it is ‘bursting’ with incredible artists waiting for the world to discover their creative talents. If you don’t do anything else this week, give ‘Talk Talk’ a listen and then listen again.
The Faim will kick off their Australian tour on the 15th and 16th of July at Vision Studios and Jack Rabbit Slim’s in Perth. They take the tour around the East Coast, hitting Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne and Adelaide. All tour dates and ticket info HERE.
Stream/order your vinyl/CD copy of Talk Talk HERE.
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With thanks to Good Intent
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