Record Label: Cherry Tree
Genre: Brit Rock
Band Link:
Buy on Amazon.com link

“Do you remember the time we were going to get your teeth fixed and we spent all of the money on Francis’s toupee? I never wore a hairpiece!” Ahh gotta love the Goonies. Whether or not the Scottish trio named the band after the bad guys of the Goonies, I still can’t help but think of the movie. “Costello Music” came out in September 2006 in the UK, but it’s only being released now in the US. I first heard of the band on some indie UK compilation, and then later on heard “Chelsea Dagger” during an intermission at the Levellers concert at Shepherds Bush Empire. The song stood out from other songs because the entire crowd was singing along to the catchy chorus. I guess that shows you that the band is big over in the United Kingdom. Just from hearing 2 songs from The Fratellis, I was curious to see how the rest of their songs were. I think they have a lot of catchy songs; but like with any band, they have a few stinkers as well.

British rock bands are really big these days and the British revival is in full swing. While I don’t like every band over there, I think the Fratellis are among the better ones. The band has a mixture of rock, folk, ska/punk; which is why I dig their sound I suppose. The album starts off with a rockin’ tune called “Henrietta,” and then goes into the catchy song “Flathead.” The third track “Whistle for the Choir” changes tempos and slows things down a little bit. I still thought the song was quite good and one of the better tracks on the album. “Chelsea Dagger” is my favorite song on the album and it will mostly likely be yours too. As soon as you hear it, you’ll be singing the chorus of “Da Da Dum Da Da Dum Da Da Daloo” in no time. It’s the type of song that will be stuck in your head. Now, after track 5 or so, I think the album isn’t as strong the beginning. I especially didn’t like the track “For the Girl” and thought it was annoying. Just felt the part “la la la la la” got obnoxious too fast. But thankfully there are enough good songs for you to overlook the mediocre ones.

Bottom Line: A great debut album from these Scottish rockers
Notable Tracks: Henrietta, Flathead, Whistle For the Choir, Chelsea Dagger
Overall Rating: