Funeral For A Friend – ‘Your History Is Mine 2002-2009’ (Atlantic)
CD Reviews
Written by Darrel Sutton
Friday, 25 September 2009 14:18
It seems really weird typing Atlantic next to Funeral For A Friend when it’s not that long ago (well actually it’s seven bloody years) since I saw them playing well down the bill at quite a few gigs in Newport’s TJ’s. Then again it just shows how far they’ve come, from humble beginnings in Bridgend to worldwide stars from….Bridgend.
Humility and just being a bunch of mates into music is what Funeral For A Friend (also known as FFAF to us locally) have always been about, and even now it’s not uncommon to see them just milling about in the bar at local gigs, no more conspicuous than some of the writers for this site. One big difference though, obviously, is the fact that FFAF have produced a constant stream of top quality tunes which this collection cleverly brings together. Spanning from the very beginning of their career through to four new songs written especially for this album. It’s stated by frontman Matt Davies that this wasn’t meant to be a greatest hits or singles collection but more a chronological history of the band to date, showcasing the various elements of the band, and also showing where the band are now.
Kicking off with ’10:45 Amsterdam Conversation’ you can hear what got them noticed all those years ago. There’s quite a few favourites (fans will argue they’re all favourites) along the way like ‘Juneau’ and ‘Streetcar’ and more recent MTV regular ‘Into Oblivion’ but these are also mixed with album cuts from all four records and give you a well rounded twelve song history up to the departure of bassist Gareth Ellis-Davies. We’re then brought right up to the present day with four new songs, which mark the recording debut of new bassist Gavin Burrough.
These four tracks really do sound great. First is ‘No Honour Among Thieves’ which has a nice mid-paced vibe built around a staccato riff and the trademark dose of FFAF melody. ‘Built To Last’ is destined to become a classic; great melody, atmospheric guitar and huge vocals which really remind me of Richard Patrick of Filter. Most of their peers would sell their kids to write a song this good. ‘Wrench’ then finds them kicking out a nice bit of near-hardcore punk riffing, leading into a real up-tempo monster that zips by. ‘Captains Of Industry’ then rounds things up nicely, again showcasing their trademark mix of styles, starting off mid-paced and slowing down to a slightly melancholic finale.
It would appear that the intention is for FFAF to embark on releasing EPs in the future thereby keeping their output fresh and current. If the new songs are an indication of the likely quality resultant of this approach then all bodes well for Funeral For A Friend for some considerable time yet.