The Fierce & The Dead: Regional Theatre - Album Review

So up until a few days ago, I can't say I'd heard of The Fierce & The Dead. 

Clearly I had been living under a rock!

Formed 16 years ago in London and although starting out as a 3 piece, over the years they have increased the ranks. The Fierce & The Dead have amassed an impressive back catalogue, and have 4 studio albums already under their belts.

Their sound can only be described as genre fluid, taking inspiration for this album from the likes of Faith no more, The Smashing Pumpkins and Helmet.

This new record, Regional Theatre comes following the release of 3 tracks from the album, 

'Somehow', 'The 1234' and 'Shake Hands and Exit' 

Due for release on the 11th of September, This offering moves firmly into more alternative and noise rock categories whilst still sticking to those experimental roots that have given the band their international acclaim.

The first track, 'Loungeside' kicks in with a sultry groove and silky vocals provided by the bands lead vocalist and bassist Kevin Feazey, almost creating an initial dreamscape for the listener, which only becomes more psychedelic as the album progresses.

'The 1234' ups the tempo instrumentally only for us to descend into a heavy bass beat for personal favourite 'Shake Hands and Exit', just a gloriously filthy engaging bass line with sensual nine inch nails-esque vocals! 

'Hey Nightmare' is of similar ilk, and comes in with a glorious guitar and bass hook. I cant stop myself from nodding and attempting to sing along (it's still early days).

Sixth track from the album, is 'Superbia' and its taking us straight back to the 80s, with flavours of talking heads, Peter Gabriel with shoegaze undertones.

Ironically, the next song carrying us through the dreamscape is 'Dream sequence', exploring their signature experimental sound with instrumental harp segments only to kick in with driving rock that wouldn't be out of place in swervedriver's Mezcal Head.

'Thrash' is another genre offshoot, giving us chilled indie vibes.. honestly this album is like musical tapas, there is literally something for everyone.

'Hypernormalisation' is throwing out a Biffy Clyro comparison, juicy riffs and powerful clear vocals.

Closing track, 'Signal Bleed' is a slow down on all fronts, ridiculously chilled out vibes in this track, beautiful melodic vocals and just a peaceful end to what feels like a wild ride through this whole record.

This whole album is genuinely a joy to listen to, and the journey you're taken on is mesmerising! 

I highly recommend taking in this album of an evening with a glass of wine and the time to really immerse yourself in it.

The Fierce and The Dead will be supporting this release with a series of album launch shows in the UK and I highly suggest you make it along to one in your area. Unfortunately I think the closest to me is Liverpool, but you bet your bottom dollar I'll be going to see this band if/when they venture north of the wall.