Famous – ‘Party Album’ album review: a bold and unique debut

Name: Party Album - Famous
Rating: 3.5

Aimee Ferrier

Thu 10 October 2024 17:59, UK

'Party Album' - Famous

3.5

THE SKINNY: If you’re familiar with the South London music scene that introduced the likes of Black Midi and Black Country, New Road to the world, you might have heard of Famous. The eclectic scene, much of which emerged from The Windmill in Brixton, has seen bands come and go doing everything from experimental electronica to post-punk and jazz-soaked noise rock.

While Famous has performed alongside some of the biggest names from the scene, they decided not to rush their debut album, instead taking their time to hone a small but dedicated following and a unique sound that is instantly recognisable. They’ve avoided the common issue of rising too fast and then subsequently burning out, and with Party Album, the band have proved that their debut album was worth the several years of waiting.

It is hard to sum up Famous’ sound in a few words. While the band has post-punk foundations, you probably haven’t heard a voice like Merrett’s in the genre before. He sometimes sounds like he has just woken up, snarling and laughing through menacing line deliveries; elsewhere, it is as though he is in despair, singing with a strangely charming allowance of intimacy. Merrett often stretches his voice as far as it will go, shouting and straining in a way that could be viewed as unlistenable to some or impressively raw and visceral to others.

The genres that shape Famous’ sound are vast, too. With everything from avant-garde electronic rock, industrial, noise rock, and post-rock bleeding into Party Album, the further you get through the album, you realise that this certainly isn’t party music in the slightest. The album gets more brooding, experimental, and emotionally charged as it goes along, with Merrett’s vocals battling relentless soundscapes, which prove his skill in making genuinely inventive and interesting instrumentals.

Merrett’s voice certainly isn’t for everyone, but you can’t deny the singularity and honesty of the album, which highlights the difficulties of navigating the chaos and unpredictability of life while also reassuring us that we can all get through seemingly unmanageable emotions. It is clear that the band haven’t strayed from their artistic vision, even if that means testing listeners with certain unconventional creative decisions.

For fans of: Telling people “I was listening to this band wayyy before they even announced their debut album.”

A concluding comment from my boyfriend: “This is the kind of album that you put on when it’s 4:30 in the morning, people are still chatting in the kitchen, and you’d quite like to go to bed.”

Party Album track by track:

Release Date: October 11th | Label: untitled (recs)

‘Boxing Day’: Electric guitar and gentle piano fade into the opening of Party Music, which welcomes Merrett’s voice, almost too close for comfort. As a whirlwind of crashing drums and synths spiral in the back, he sings of struggling through and being scared, “but it’s fine.” [3.5/5]

‘What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life’: This is quite a Marmite song. Some listeners are going to be instantly captivated by the upbeat instrumentation that welcomes a sudden sonic switch-up where Merrett’s voice becomes loud and ugly. Others might find it a little unpalatable. [3/5]

‘Warm Springs’: Industrial guitars, like a saw cutting through any sense of optimism, backs Merrett’s declarations of “I’m never going to find another like you.” The influence of ‘Frankie Teardrop’ by Suicide springs to mind here, with ‘Warm Springs’ becoming the most looming track Famous have ever made. [3.5/5]

‘God Hold You’: Is this one of the best songs Famous has made? Quite possibly. The whirring guitars are unforgettable and addictive, and as Merrett’s screams melt into the loud instrumentation at the end, the song draws to a darkly euphoric close. [4/5]

‘It Goes On Forever’: The influence of Slint is very apparent on this song, with simmering guitars giving it an uncertain atmosphere. Merrett continues themes of substance abuse and sobriety here, with the complexity of these themes reflected perfectly in the volatile instrumentals. [3.5/5]

‘The Destroyer’: In contrast, ‘The Destroyer’ is much faster and fuller sounding, referencing romance, listening to Harry Nilsson, bleeding on the floor, and getting angry. It’s a short odyssey through emotions that proves Famous’ skill for playing with contradictory moods and sounds. [3.5/5]

‘2004’: Fans of Famous will already know ‘2004’, which they’ve re-recorded for the album. With its plucky rhythms, which build into a louder, more expansive sound, the song fits right onto Party Album. [3.5/5]

‘Leaving Tottenham’: A more mellow cut comes as the penultimate track, with piano and synths sitting alongside atmospheric guitars. Merrett’s vocals are full of emotion, singing about love in a way that feels utterly cinematic and full of importance.[3/5]

‘Love Will Find A Way’: Instead of ending the record on a loud, frenetic track, Famous instead quieten things down and use gentle piano to reassure us that, despite everything, love will find a way. [3/5]