Gold Coast collective FAIRCHILD practise a fine balance of tight-roping dynamics on lead album cut, ‘So Long and Thank You’.
In a piece that holds both strong personal value and inspired musicality, the band refuse to take any shortcuts, instead the near six-minute composition transverses between forlorn electronica and indie guitar revelry. Entering upon a bed of electronics, programmed drums and snaking synth outline a path for Adam Lyons’ husky vocal to introduce his conviction, progressing into an illuminated melody-focussed delivery, we cut to an intensifying dance beat and an advancing slow groove. Soon the parts begin to deliver a saccharine friction, layering up and stoking a potent outburst of riffs, hooks, and lyrical confessions. It’s one hell of a moment captured in stunning 360.
The video captured and edited by Tommy Davies provides a continuation to the band’s story in their adopted home of Manchester, bridging the colourful sounds of their indie hearts against the glorified backdrop of muggy, rain-washed streets in the city’s Northern Quarter. Particular attention must be given to the featured actor/dancer, Ndagi Urwill, in the film clip, for their indisputable on-screen charisma captures the energy of the music perfectly within the frame. The closing scene featuring local artist RUNAH, primes further crossover with previous release ‘Neighbourhoods Pt. 2’ and interlocks both storyline arcs as one extended coda. Cleverly worked, we must say.
Of the track, guitarist Tim Voeten states: “So Long And Thank You was written in different sections, by different members of the band, but with the same person in mind—my father. When I hear this song, of course I think about my Dad, but I also remember that it helped cement in me my love for making music with these people. During those long nights in the studio, I knew it was okay to not be okay. I’d show up with some half-baked idea and we’d have a few drinks and mess around with it. I never knew one of those half-baked ideas would become So Long And Thank You. There isn’t a single sound on this record that can’t simply be put down to enjoying writing music with your friends.” And on that sentiment, we encourage all attention to be directed to the featured track below.
The debut album ‘So Long and Thank You’ is due for release on 4th August 2017 via Canvas Sounds. Pre-Order’s can be made here.
