ALBUM REVIEW: The Fauves – Reignite (self-released)
The Fauves are a punk band who were formed in South Shields back in 1978, when the four original members left the fledgling Angelic Upstarts.
After releasing just one single they broke up in 1980, but reformed in 2016 to record some old songs, as no studio recordings existed.
A few line-up changes later, an EP and then a belated debut album, Back Off World, were released, featuring revamped old songs and three new ones.
They were so well received that the new line-up of Mick Smith (vocals), Allen Hughes (guitar), Bri Smith (bass) and Bob Rowland (drums) decided to keep making new music.
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 put a big spanner in their works, but 2021 saw the band finally finish and release a second full-length album, Reignited.
It’s unashamedly old-school in its sound, but don’t get the idea that this is just some old blokes retreading past glories – far from it.
The Fauves add passion and power to their undoubted knack of writing catchy, driving punk rock tunes. They remind me a lot of bands like System Of Hate and, yes, the Upstarts.
Four of the tracks here – excellent opener Anti-Social, Underground, Why and a revamped version of oldie City Life – were on a demo CD which earned them lots of airplay on local punk radio shows.
But there’s half a dozen brand new songs too, including the standout title track, which could be the band’s anthem as Mick snarls “we have the right, to be who we want to be”.
Those gravelly vocals, married with some gutsy, chugging guitar and a relentless rhythm section, means The Fauves are a band it’s easy to warm to.
They spent the last few months getting back to playing live, and audiences were so impressed that the first pressing of the album is almost sold out*.
That’s down to the strength of songs like the apocalyptic Destruction, with its propulsive drums and throbbing bassline; the defiant Showdown, and the pacey Believe, which leans towards a heavier rock sound.
It looks like The Fauves are here to stay, and that’s very good news indeed. Now I just need to get round to seeing them live, where I’m assured they don’t disappoint. 7.5/10.
- A second pressing of Reignite is on the cards, and will be available direct from the band at gigs or via their Facebook page HERE.
