FRANKIIE/Chron Goblin
FRANKIIE
Forget Your Head // Paper Bag Records
There’s something irresistible looming on the horizon. Something otherworldly and dreamy. Something as charming and gorgeous as a tangerine sunset. It’s Vancouver four-piece FRANKIIE’s two-year-in-the-making debut full length, Forget Your Head (out on Paper Bag Records and recorded/produced by Jason Corbett at Jacknife Sound). The album is dream-rock infused with sixties surf tones, jangly reverb-soaked guitar, resonating keys, and earthy psych influences… but it’s more than that. It has an alluring soundscape with immense harmonies and pensive lyrics echoing into the distance. It’s simultaneously soothing and igniting.
FRANKIIE have proven themselves major contenders with their prowess and ambition; their lead single “Dream Reader” is helping them to gain recognition on the international touring circuit with a recent UK and Europe tour.
They have carved out their own glittering lush sound but bare resemblances to the ethereal rock of Warpaint, and the beach-goth of The Growlers. The vocals are intimately haunting, similar to the likes of Tasseomancy, and other times resemble the powerhouse efforts of Heart and London Grammar. The lyrics on “Glory Me” have to be heard within the dynamic soundscape created within the song: “They say death’s not easy; it takes work just like being born. The soul clings to the body trying to keep warm. We’re all afraid of what’s after taking that last sigh. Is it bleak or beautiful nothingness on that other side… I say glory me what will I be when I die?”
I would bet good money you can’t start Forget Your Head without finishing all eleven tracks (and then replaying it again and again). The depth of each and every track on this album is absolutely enchanting. “Glory Me” and “Nowhere Days” are personal favourites. Goosebumps guaranteed.
- Nicola Gunter
Chron Goblin
Here Before // Grand Hand Records
I'm excited to pass along some good news. The jean vest and backpatch crowd have new fodder for the Fall. Calgary's Chron Goblin has been putting the F-U in FUN for over ten years. They're known for bringing the party, and are one of my favorite Albertan live acts. Just in time for double-hoodie weather, their fourth full-length Here Before released on September 27, 2019 finds the quartet in fine form.
From the riff laden lead-in "Oblivion", Chron Goblin show us they aren't going to stray far from the signature sounds that got them to this point. And yet, new sonic territory is displayed on the desert drone and interesting vocal and guitar interplay of "Ghost". I enjoy the cleaner guitar tones, new vocal delivery style, and rolling bass that should evolve from years of playing together.
And while the denim, leather and backpatch crowd need few excuses to rip bongs, scarf pizza, shotgun (and blowgun) beer… they now have a fun, dark, smoky, Fall-tinged soundtrack to accompany the excess.
- Drew Cox
