Four long years have passed since the self-titled début from Bristol’s eclectic shoedreamgazers Fauns tiptoed itself into the mixed up world of noughties pop culture. In the new world of everything-fused, no wave, no genre madness, along comes a catalytic moment in the search for a Mojo defining album to end your frazzled heartache.
‘Lights’ you see isn’t simply dream pop, it’s a whispering /screaming end to the year that accompanies releases such as TOY‘s sophomore offering into Santa’s festive Pandora sack of must have sounds. The philharmonic gentle intro of ‘Point Zero’ is a seamless graduation into the might of ‘Seven Hours’; an opener that simply blows you away with a cacophony of relentless crashing guitar feedback.
Offerings such as ‘In Flames’ and ‘Let’s Go’ see a more delicate pop side to the band. Christ even the NME are name checking them, “sugar lips, you’re so fine“, shades of crystal days. At times the more workman-like rock chords of ‘Nothing Ever’ and ‘With You’ challenge your diversity, and as a devotee of bands like the Duke Spirit, this will split some listeners. But it’s on the tracks ‘4am’ and the title track itself where the signature moves are most evident.
Alison Garner’s whispered hushes and woos and coos accompany the most sumptuous dreamy soundscapes and jangled instrumentals, a constant “you can only cry” the backdrop to a haunting romantic journey through ‘Lights’. For lovers of SOVIIB, MBV, JAMC ,TJF and your own pop based acronyms.
Love and live The Fauns, as sung so sweetly, LET’S GO .
[Rating:4.5]
Stream and download HERE
THE FAUNS – LIGHTS from TheFaunsBand on Vimeo.
