Fryars - Dark Young Hearts Album Review

Review of Fryars album Dark Young Hearts

As one of the first artists to sign up to the innovative Bandstocks scheme, a system which allows fans to invest into an artist in exchange for a percentage of the profit, frYars has already given the impression of a rebellious forward thinker. Rejecting the majors and in doing so kissing goodbye to a big advance and the perceived big label security in exchange for a new untried project that relies on public investment is a brave move by anyone's standards. So it's already abundantly clear that 19 year old Ben Garett aka FrYars isn't going to play it safe with his career moves, but is he prepared to be as brave with his music? The answer after hearing Dark Young Hearts is a resounding yes! With a mix of 80s tinged electro beats and a hatful of tasteful classical arrangements fused with frightfully strong pop hooks,

FrYars presents an album that at times overflows with emotion. These generous helpings of emotion are never more evident than on Visitors, a track that sees Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan collaborate to glorious effect. Lyrics such as 'when you pick up a book with no end it feels just like me again' and the infectiously catchy chorus 'I've got a sickness, I think I need your help tonight' sit perfectly over an array of keyboards and processed beats to mould a synthetic pop masterpiece.

If you think FrYars can be pinned down as yet another one trick pony electro artist then think again. Tracks such as the mystical A last resort with its acoustic tales of 'mushroom minds' and 'ruthless tigers' create the most unconventional ballad you're likely to hear in a long time. While The piano driven ballad Novelists Wife which includes soft vocals and a beautifully arranged brass section move further to show a complex and versatile artist capable of numerous styles.

The mood of Dark Young Hearts is soon lifted from that of ballad to dance floor filler in the shape of exceptional single Olive Eyes. With an opening reminiscent of The Knife's Heartbeats it is soon joined by a Depeche Mode style vocal delivery: 'green eyes are a prophet of mine' before evolving into a chorus so catchy and melodic its sure to have the Pet Shop Boys crying themselves to sleep.

Produced by ex Clor guitarist Luke Smith, Dark Young Hearts is as exciting a debut album as you're currently likely to find, awash with witty poetic lyrics as well as a collection of undeniably catchy hooks, it presents itself as dark and sometimes bizarre but at the same time incredibly enjoyable which in this case proves to be the perfect mix.

9/10

Sam Marland