album review// Fists – ‘Phantasm’
words// Josh Bennett
Darlings of the DIY scene, Fists, have been receiving plaudits for their no-nonsense brand of lo-fi, garage rock for some time now. Starting out back in 2005, the band’s handful of singles and EP Olympic Hits have gained them much critical acclaim, putting them firmly on the emerging bands radar.
Much in the mould of US group White Denim, Fists can be raucous at times and sombre the next, but seldom can they be described as dull. With their debut LP Phantasm, the band communicate this impeccably and simultaneously pay testament to their energetic live shows. Wrestling their way through a variety of emotions on the record, the band wear their influences on their sleeves at certain points but do, generally, craft their own sound out of this.
Recent single ‘Solvent’, echoes that lo-fi 90′s sound which is so discernible on the album. Echoing bands such as The Breeders and L7, the song makes it’s way through a range of classic lo-fi sounds – from the fuzzy guitar tones and distorted vocals, through to the industrial drumming and growling bass. Whilst the listener is slowly charmed through the understated hooks of ‘Solvent’, Fists do demonstrate their pop sensibilities quite clearly. Making it’s way onto Phantasm, the 2009 single ‘Cockatoo’ follows this trend. The combined vocal lines and guitar riff bring to mind a naïvety found elsewhere on works from The Breeders such as ‘Bang On’.
Standing out within the album is the 7 minute, slow burner ‘Yr Glove’. Taking on a much more ambient approach, the song sees the band intelligently building the track out of a simple acoustic guitar melody. It begins to unfold around the third minute as another guitar joins in with organ chords and delicate percussion. Perhaps the most minimal track on Phantasm it makes for a welcome change amongst the more lively numbers. Proving it to be not just an anomaly, the final piece ‘Try’ is another drifting work with nods to Zooey Deschanel’s own She and Him project.
There are a number of other standout moments on Phantasm. ‘OMG’ deserves a mention for the spaghetti western feel it creates. This is achieved through a blend of rolling percussion, fast acoustic chords and these subtle Morricone-esque guitar lines. The penultimate song ‘Straw Dog’ showcases the band’s garage rock sound quite brilliantly. Almost edging on punk, the fast-paced song interweaves a chugging bass and guitar line, with vocals mirroring this during the verse.
Staying true to their DIY roots, Phantasm goes further than this and shows Fists have more to offer. The overriding 90′s lo-fi feel is neatly contrasted with wider influences from punk through to country. The album subsequently takes the listener on quite a journey and calls for numerous plays. With the apparent death of the great guitar bands, Fists are doing a sterling job in reviving the indie sound of the 90′s. The band enviably carry this off with a flair only a limited number of contemporary bands have managed. Phantasm is a well-rounded debut setting the band up nicely for future releases.
Phantasm is released on July 8th.
Source:
http://slatethedisco.com/2013/07/album-review-fists-phantasm/