Review of Tales Don't Tell Themselves Album by Funeral For A Friend

Funeral For A Friend
Tales Don't Tell Themselves
Album Review

Funeral For A Friend Tales Don't Tell Themselves Album

Having already headlined the second stage at Carling Festival after their debut album was certified gold, FFAF have gone from strength-to-strength on both sides of the Atlantic. Support slots with heavyweights Linkin Park and Iron Maiden have furthered increased the exposure of this South Wales outfit, who have recently completed a UK tour and now join the Warped Tour in America.

Recent Top 20 hit 'Into Oblivion (Reunion)' sees vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye ditch the screaming of the past for a more melodic approach. Coupled with fantastic melodies and a blissful chorus, the band has produced one of the guitar anthems of the year. Although this means that the rest of the album has a lot to live up to, which it was never likely to, it does at least signal a band that are confident and focused because they know they're at the top of their game. 'Walk Away' swaggers on a dance-inducing rhythm, which is accompanied by a chiming riff, while 'The Diary' stomps along relentlessly before launching into one of countless huge choruses that characterise 'Tales Don't Tell Themselves'.

If veteran followers of the 'Friend are concerned that it sounds as if the band have mellowed, they need not lose complete faith. For while the likes of 'On A Wire' are almost sugary sweet, big metal riffs are still present on the triumphant audio blitz that is 'Out Of Reach' (where they get worrying close to sounding like Papa Roach, but thankfully rescue the situation) and the grand 'Open Water', where guitars soar to glorious new heights. Mention also needs to be given to 'Raise The Sail', which gives a fine example of how strings can be used to elevate a rock track to something different - but it's a fine record all round from a band who could find mass mainstream success sooner rather than later.

Alex Lai


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