Toronto, Canada - Fotocrime is a post-punk/darkwave band out of Louisville, KY, that was formed by founder Ryan Patterson in 2017. To date, the band has released 3 full length albums, 2 EPs and a covers compilation that highlights the new wave sounds of the early 1980s. With these releases, Patterson had taken the roles of singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, putting his stamp on the band's sound and style.
September 8, 2023 sees the release of the band's 4th album (the band's first on Artoffact Records) Accelerated. This time around however, the band has taken a bit of a new direction, mixing sounds of rock, and soul, and even some dancier beats. Additionally, guitarist Nick Thieneman, and bassist Will Allard take a larger role in the recording of their respective tracks, and collaboration with the frontman. Rest assured, the album has its same moody, dark sounds and the classic baritone voice of the lead singer, with a few added extras.
Patterson sums up the overall theme as similar to the album's cover. "A person staring into the void" and the overwhelming vastness of the world we live in, and the overwhelming immediacy of everything as we know it. Social media, music, news, and even reading a book. It's all there for us. All you have to do is pick up your phone.
Let's take a closer look at the band's most recent release.
The first track on the album, "On the Edge of the Light" immediately kicks into high gear with a classic beat that kicks us back into the 1980s. It feels as though we're in a club, donning matching hairstyles of the genre. While the tempo is up-beat, lyrically, the track is a little more foreboding, fearing loss, and loneliness. Patterson and his mates have set this album up perfectly, as the record transitions into the title track "Accelerated".
"Accelerated" continues with the lyrical doom of the first track in which a relationship is falling apart due to the speed of which its progressing. It ties into the theme of the immediacy in our lives, and leaves you wondering "where are we gong?". The synth pops and electronic effects continue to drive the beat 2 songs in.
One of my favourites on this album is the 3rd song, which is poetically brilliant, and very reminiscent of Canada's own poetic genius, Leonard Cohen. "Still Need You Here" brings a much more somber rhythm that will be the perfect driving song, on a hot summer night with your windows down, as you roll down a lonely country road. There's something about a track like this that makes you long for your youth.
"Match Factory Girl" brings the rock and roll to Fotocrime's sound, and is by far one of the coolest titles I've ever heard. Inspired by the 1990 Finish film The Match Factory Girl, this anthemic track kicks in some cool guitar riffs that kick up the spice. A slight breakdown at the 3:00 mark, is quickly interrupted by the same guitar riffs which makes for such a great arrangement. Including background vocal whispers, it's another top track on this record.
The second to last track on the album is one that Patterson described as a sleeper track, in LOUDTO's recent interview with the frontman. With its pop music beat, the song dives into the territory of man's impending ability to travel to distant planets, and the ramifications for the people left behind. It's a track that Patterson currently loves to play. More importantly for me, the track leads into what is probably my favourite on the album.
"Night Must Fall" is the final track on Accelerated. The intro to the song is a Tears for Fears throwback, but the beat comes down with the opening stanza, and is wonderfully dark and moody. It's a fantastic juxtaposition to the much more upbeat tempo of the opening track. It makes you feel that perhaps we are heading into some really dark territory. It's near impossible to comprehend where technology will take us, but I think it's easy to agree that while all this power has such fantastic upside, there is just as much potential devastation.
Since spinning this new record for the first time a couple weeks ago, I find myself listening to it continuously. The album is a fantastic mix of of mood, tempo, multiple genres happily playing together, poetry and just plain great to listen to.
And with this, life is good!!!!
Fotocrime Online:
Album Release Date: September 8, 2023
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