Brighton, United Kingdom, based band FUR, delivers a sonic experience that blends the boundaries of genre and transcends time with their new album “When You Walk Away.”
Comprised of lead singer William Murray, guitarist Harry Saunders, bassist William Taverner and drummer Flynn Whelan, FUR is a band that turned the challenges presented by COVID-19 into fuel for creativity. Required to have separate home rehearsals, the band was forced to find new ways of collaborating on the album, resulting in a finishing product packed with energy and thoughtfulness.
Sugar-coated with bright melodies and upbeat guitar riffs, the lyricism on the album touches on topics that cut deep. The album explores what it feels like to be lost in love while simultaneously grappling with one’s identity.
“I just wanna be like you and try and feel something new,” Murray sings on the track “Anybody Else But Me.”
In terms of lyrical content as well as sonic elements, the album feels like an homage to pop-rock and folk of the past, while adding an indie spin. Dazzling keyboard with whimsical clapping brings in folk while layered guitars and doo-wop style backup vocals calls to 50s and 60s rock. FUR takes on characteristics of The Beatles, The Kinks and Elvis and elevates them to a modern plane.
Murray’s lead vocals are off kilter, juxtaposing the buoyant and at times flowing instrumentation of the songs. Singing in a high register, although a bit rough around the edges, Murray hits each note beautifully and adds a unique element to the album.
Instrumentally, the band does not veer from versatility. The layering of both electric and acoustic guitars is met with basslines packed with jazz and rock influences. Drum breaks add an element of surprise that divert the viewer away from the harmonies of the songs, then brings them back in with ease. Casaba, keyboard and violin are woven in as well, showcasing the band’s ability to blend genres and captivate listeners.
Many bands can draw from past influences while adding their own take when creating music, but the way in which FUR cohesively blends a seemingly overwhelming amount of elements, is highly impressive. “When You Walk Away” is a listening journey that will take you through different emotions elicited by the thoughtful lyrics, instrumentation and production.
If you are looking for an indie album that also ties in the poppiness of 50s love songs, and vintage folk and rock elements, “When You Walk Away” is an album to anticipate. The album is set to be released on Nov. 5 where it will be available on Spotify and Apple Music. Check out FUR on their website and Spotify.
