It’s nothing terribly new that chaos reigns in the world of Fat White Family. And so, the recording process for their fourth album, “Forgiveness Is Yours” (Domino), was rather chaotic as well. Lias Saoudi and his counterpart Saul Adamczewski probably had their final falling out, and even the Saoudi brothers themselves clashed.
Did these disturbances shape a gem? Was it all at least not in vain? Lias Saoudi is now more in the spotlight. The family as a one-man show, someone who still has to run the show and hopes not to break under the pressure.
The new album is unique in many aspects. The nakedly shining Lias Saoudi seems to be constantly breathing down our necks. A pleasant shiver runs through us, but the situation also feels somewhat unsettling.
It’s not so easy to get into the record and accept its provocations. It’s all very sexy, almost orgiastic, and with “Polygamy Is Only For The Chief,” the first third descends into utter chaos.
The spoken word piece “Today You Become Man” marks a turning point towards yearning pop. Much more appealing and close to the band’s old qualities. Here is where the pull starts, making us all dizzy. We reach the climax with “Work,” a brisk track that abruptly pours into longing rock. The cabaret-style “You Can’t Force It” leaves us panting. What was that all about?
Fat White Family – Forgiveness Is Yours: Initially weak, then developing strongly. – RIFL
