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FIDLAR

FIDLAR

Written by: PP on 20/05/2013 21:29:59

Get ready to meet the Los Angeles version of our local hipster post-punks in Iceage: FIDLAR (acronym: Fuck It Dog, Life's A Risk apparently). They're a band so ridiculously overhyped compared to their ability that it makes this reviewed sick in his stomach when there are dozens of other much better bands that never get similar attention. When they aren't busy being referred as the saviours of garage rock, they are the champions of the original punk spirit, apparently full of pissed off rebellion and danger thanks to ridiculous lyrics about doing drugs and drinking cheap beer while cruising the streets of LA. Except based on their self-titled release, you shouldn't buy any of it, because it sounds both pretentious and poseur-like than the authenticity and convincing it is made to be by many other writers.

"FIDLAR" is an album encompassed in feedback, distortion, and noisy guitars, and a distinct retro/hipster-ish vibe that the lovely folks over at Pitchfork love so much. Take a band like The Kinks, mix them with a bit of Black Lips, The Germs, Pixies, The Thermals, and you're just about there, a cacophony between groovy, rock'n'roll-fueled retro punk for hipsters spliced with the occasional laid back surf rock piece. So basically exactly like Wavves have sounded like for years, but without their class and genuine expression. There are a couple of catchy songs in between, but most of all their noisy, lo-fi garage expression could use a lot more polish, plus better melodies, and definitely better lyricism all-around.

It could just be me, but everything about their expression screams fake, which is my major point of irritation. So disregard my words if you're into the whole retro vibe that's so in these days, and lap this album up. But that these guys are this year's 'punk headliner' at Roskilde is a joke. It's not a terrible album, but seriously, people need to stop the hype and just take a listen: "FIDLAR" is a decent garage rock/punk album, nothing more, nothing less.

Download: Max Can't Surf, Wake Bake Skate
For the fans of: The Thermals, Black Lips, The Kinks, The Germs, Pixies, Agent Orange, Wavves
Listen: Facebook

Release date 22.01.2013
Mom + Pop Records