Nick Frater - Earworms

 

Big Stir don't get a fair crack review wise on I Don't Hear A Single and it is really unfair. I feel caught between the devil and the deep blue sea because of my involvement with the label. I get concerned that reviews will be treated with a "well he would say that wouldn't he."

It is even worse with Nick Frater because I'm a long time fan and friend, so there is double the impact. But, I realise now that I am just being silly and that over five years on, readers of IDHAS know that I only cover releases that I like and would never review something simply because of a connection. 

You should also expect a couple more Big Stir label reviews over the next week. So to Nick Frater, a stand out in the UK Guitar Pop fraternity, who has never ever made an album that isn't top notch. Over recent years, there have been quite a few UK and Irish artists who have excelled at offering up 70s Pop Rock albums. Iain Hornal and Ulysses spring to mind.

The latter veers towards Pop, whilst the latter is more in a Rock direction. Earworms though not only provides the similar references, but it sounds like it was recorded in the Mid 70s, a sort of rediscovered lost album. Every song is built around the melody and it is that melody that provides the vibe, fast or slow.

Notwithstanding the pop sensibilities, catch all choruses and Frater's sublime soothing vocal, every song is beautifully arranged. This feels more like a group album, although it isn't, than previous albums. To top everything off, there is a stellar list of guests.

Appearances from Roger Joseph Manning Jr, Darian Sahanaja, Dana Countryman, Mike Randle, Nick Bertling and John Lathrop are amongst those that gilt Earworms. Everything is so 70s, but especially the Guitar solos. Those solos aren't prevalent, but when they arrive they just light up a song.

As for the songs, Buggin' Out is a real showstopper and opens up with a reel Pilot feel at times, guitar wise. It's All Rumours is even jauntier and probably the best song here. Not Born Again is another bouncy chipper affair with a chorus to die for. 

It isn't all about bounce though, although there is plenty of it, Lucky Strike is very Jellyfish and The Unbroken lands somewhere between McCartney and Liverpool Express. Who Says I Need A Plan even heads towards American Graffiti ballad territory.

Then there is the wonderful Piano Pop of the closer, How To Survive Somebody, a slowed down joy, almost Broadway like with a burst out Guitar Solo. Frater's development as a songwriter is magnificent, particularly considering that he is so prolific. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album on either Nick or Big Stir's Bandcamp sites as well as the main Big Stir site. The album is available as on CD, Vinyl or as a download.

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