CD Review-The Fratellis-Here We Stand

By Chris Webb/reporter

All aboard the Jefferson Airplane — destination Scotland.

The Fratellis, a Scottish alt rock band with a psychedelic edge, erupted onto the global music scene in late 2007 after winning the BRIT Award for Best British Break-Through Act and followed it up with their sophomore album, Here We Stand. 

Here We Stand is definitely a step for the band although in which direction it’s hard to tell.

Featuring complex tunes, each telling a different story, The Fratellis’ latest packs a serious punch for anyone looking for something off the beaten path.

Songs like “A Heady Tale” and “Milk and Money” feature impressive upbeat piano work. The piano is coupled with soft acoustic guitar layered over heavy electric guitar riffs creating a sound reminiscent of The Beatles.

A true gem on the album is “Acid Jazz Singer,” a fun, seemingly simple song that ends up having more musical twists than “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The only sore spot on the CD is “Mistress Mabel.” The song seems geared toward dominating airwaves and comes off a little too poppy for the band’s alternative, trippy feel. But with that one exception, the album is a blast to listen to from start to finish.

With only three official members — Jon, Barry and Mince Fratelli (no they aren’t brothers, these are stage names) — the band sounds much bigger than it really is.

Even more respectable, The Fratellis produced and recorded this album themselves.

The Fratellis have certainly graduated from a one-hit wonder pop band with Here We Stand.

Whether or not it becomes the next big thing can’t be foretold. But it now has a much bigger stage to play on and at least one more fan.