With ‘Meow’, Exeter trio The Fairweather Band slot firmly into the current wave of British underground heroes shining a light for the DIY scene. Featuring Lande Hekt of Muncie Girls, although by no means a defining characteristic, the three piece are a minimalist cousin to their more exposed contemporaries. Their sound is as simple as their set-up, yet never too straightforward. Instead, ‘Meow’ is driven by an ever-present charm, backed by the occasional musical surprise.
Vocalist and guitarist Rory Matthews’ tones carry with them both a singer-songwriter sensibility and punk overtones. On ‘A New Language’, one of many short and to-the-point tracks, The Fairweather Band present a sound lodged between the frivolity of Woahnows, the punch of Against Me! and the subtle class of Sam Dunkworth circa Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Yet even with these potentially intricate comparisons, ‘Meow’ is refreshingly uncomplicated.
Far from superficial, the record carries a lyrical density akin to their most obvious peers. ‘Meow’ successfully balances this with an incredible pace, one which sees thirteen tracks play out in less than twenty-five minutes. It helps to cement the fun of the record, one which takes itself seriously at just the right moments (see ‘Stop Calling’), but that feels like a passion project on which its members can simply enjoy themselves. It’s very difficult for the listener not to do the same.
BEN TIPPLE