Future of the Left
How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident
October 21 2013 (Prescriptions)
9/10
Words: Dave Beech
Formed after the dissolution of seminal post-hardcore band mcklusky (and the lesser known Jarcrew), Cardiff's Future of the Left have been nothing less than prolific in their musical output, releasing on average an album every 18 months since their 2007 debut, not counting the plethora of EPs and singles. Now, coming just over six years since their inception the band, in what can only be described as yet another fan-funded success, are set to release their fourth studio album 'How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident'.
Having reached it's target on Pledge Music within six hours of the campaign starting, it's obvious that fans of Future of the Left have put a lot of faith in the band. They'll be happy to know then that 'How to Stop Your Brain...' is the most off-kilter, aggressive and brazen release yet. No-one is safe from Andy Falkous' scathing social satire with song titles like 'Johnny Borrell Afterlife and 'Future Child Embarrassment Matrix' reminiscent of mcklusky titles. However it isn't until 'Singing of the Bonesaws' that the acerbic lyricism really begins to take hold “Our survey says that shouting inanities in a regional accent is valuable to culture” heralds Falcous “Look at Eastenders, Soccer AM or the Queen's Speech”. Similarly, 'The Real Meaning Of Christmas' takes a sceptical look at festivities, asking parents to “burn the gift wrap” to keep their kids warm.
'French Lessons' offsets the angular and jarring tracks which it proceeds, whilst still retaining a mounting sense of the ominous that gurgles behind its light exterior. This isn't the band mellowing with age, however, merely enjoying and experimenting with the freedom found in a fan-funded record. There's a whole lot more melody at play here than is typical for Future of the Left, and coming exactly halfway through the record provides welcome respite from the relentless aggression perpetuated by what's been, and what follows.
More of Falkous trademark cynicism comes in the form of 'How To Spot A Record Company' and 'She Gets Passed Around At Parties' but one of the album's highlights comes in the form of 'Why Aren't I Going To Hell', the final track of the record. Beginning subdued, it slowly builds from an ominous, almost Western, aesthetic, into a bizarre and unsettling lament that closes the album the way it began: on a high note. It's darker, more raw, yet with occasional moments of paradoxical polish that should stand as a testament to the liberated nature of crowd-funded projects and to Future of the Left as a whole, for being the eclectic and brash band that they are. Great stuff.
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