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Review
This five-piece might be worthy of here-and-now buzz, expected by many to feature on the BBC’s Sound of 2011 list (they didn’t, though it shouldn’t harm their chances of mainstream recognition), but their sound harks back to another era of indie-pop. Indeed, they rewind the compositional clocks a whole generation, with whispers of Orange Juice and Dexys Midnight Runners in the band’s musical make-up. And there’s the look, too. No getting around it: Frankie & The Heartstrings aren’t your usual cool kids on the blogosphere block, threads and haircuts bearing distinct traces of the 1950s – front-fellow Frankie Francis (what a name there, chap) sporting a marvellous James Dean quiff. It all serves to set the group apart from the seasonal slew of first-quarter contenders.
By standing out so prominently, Frankie et al will inevitably take their share of knocks. Accusations of style over substance, perhaps, from quarters unwilling to give debut album Hunger the time it deserves. Well, let them have their slings and their arrows – it means that these 10 ten tracks will be all the more adored by those who’ve a space in their hearts for mellifluous music that isn’t trying to be big nor clever. By doing things their own way, releasing a series of limited-run goodies via their own Pop Sex label, this band has steadily built a community committed to their cutesy, carefree anthems from a bygone pop period. And loyalty has been rewarded, as Hunger’s snappy riffs and taut percussion, with the mainman’s purring baritone, combine to great effect.
At its best, tracks ingrain themselves immediately – the "whoa-whoa" joy of That Postcard, Hunger’s brilliant celebration of standing up for one’s friends and ideals, Tender’s meandering guitar-work underpinning vocals that climb away to dizzy heights. Even when tracks pass without too much of an impression left, the listener is never without a smile on their face – there’s simply that much fun on show. Unless, of course, they’re not prepared to allow a little northern charm to brighten their day. More fool, them.
--Mike Diver
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Customer Reviews
I saw Frankie and the heartstrings live at the Lexington last year when I'd actually gone to see another act -but they so impressed me - its a long time since I've seen a band put in so much effort so I've eagerly awaited the release of this album for a few months now.
Yes they do have a an 80's sound about them -I'd say theres even a bit of Housemartins in there somewhere as well as the bands that have been mentioned in other reviews - but they still feel really fresh compared to what else is out there at the moment. I can honestly say there isn't a duff song amongst them. Favourites for me are Photograph, Hunger and Tender but there isn't anything I don't like which is rare!
So buy this album - its been on repeat on my ipod for over a week now and if you get chance catch them live - you'll be glad you did!
Its defiantly the best thing out of Sunderland in a long while. Also have a read of their Wikipedia site which is total lies but quite amusing.
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