Rob’s Album Of The Week: The Fratellis’ Half Drunk Under A Full Moon

There are a few bands that I’m always mystified by and one of them is The Fratellis out of Glasgow. Their 2007 debut, Costello Music, in my opinion is one of the best albums of the 2000s and it’s a nearly perfect rock & roll record. Since then, it’s been a bit puzzling but also weirdly consistent. I will always give guitarist and vocalist Jon, bassist Barry and drummer Mince Fratelli the benefit of the doubt for the sake of artistic progression, but everything they’ve done since their magnum opus has been solid while also not thrilling me as much. With this being said, their sixth album, Half Drunk Under A Full Moon, that was released via Cooking Vinyl on April 2 is pretty good while incorporating orchestral elements.

It sounds like there’s a string quartet playing in the background in various tracks on the album. It mirrors ’60s British pop with a little bit of a modern feel, which is most likely what the trio is going for. This approach is an interesting one but with the harmonies and melodies being conveyed it’s very pleasant as well. There’s also some horns making the songs shine and if you’re a regular reader then you know that I’m a sucker for those things. This album has no let downs and it’s a different take on rock music that’s unique and intriguing.