"I Prefer Their Old Stuff"

Lurking around Leeds Music Forums as is my want, I chanced across a thread entitled “Anyone Fancy A Free Album?”, well as this was clearly a person who knew my price I thought I’d investigate further, and judging by the positive replies in the thread I thought it would be worth my time checking them out!

The band in question were Fat Goth from Dundee and their vocalist Fraser was politely asking people to have a listen to their stuff, so how could I refuse? Especially when he mentioned that it might appeal to fans of The Jesus Lizard, QOTSA and Melvins. Colour me interested!

They recorded their debut album, “Mindless Crap” in May last year and have followed it up with two EPs/Singles “DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!” in November and “Willy Wonka and the Charlie Factory / Fat Goth’s Descent Into the Third Circle of Hell” released this month.

These can all be listened to and downloaded for free at their bandcamp page (fatgoth.bandcamp.com).

Their music could be loosely called post-hardcore I guess, time signatures and tempo tend to fluctuate, vocals go from melodious singing to throat rasping screams. They are also fans of injecting humour into their material but without straying anywhere near “comedy act” with song titles such as “Cheryl Hole”, “Give My Piece A Chance” and, my favourite; “Q: ‘Baby, What’s Your Flava?’ A: ‘Steak and Onion'”!

Comparisons I thought of while listening varied, through Queens of the Stone Age, Future of the Left, The Jesus Lizard, even the Foo Fighters and on album closer “I Think I Hate The General Public” there are definite elements of Mike Patton’s side projects Tomahawk and Mr Bungle. A few of their tracks sprawl across seven or eight minutes and bring Drive Like Jehu to mind.

When listening to unsigned bands’ material there are times when you think that with a bit of work and practice they could be pretty good, or you may think that it’s not surprising they’re not signed, but each time I’ve listened to these guys I’ve thought they sound so accomplished and professional I can’t believe no one’s snapped them up as yet.

I can understand now how some people get into band management, hearing a great band you feel should get more exposure and just leaping into the fray yourself. That’s not really for me, but I would say to anyone who is in that field; SIGN THIS BAND IMMEDIATELY!!

I’d love to see them live, I hope someone puts them on further south sometime soon!

(although, looking at their bandcamp page it seems like their bassist has just left for a 12 month trip to Australia, so I guess we won’t be seeing them that soon :()