26.10.07 Fair To Midland – Fables From A Mayfly

Fair To Midland – Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True
Serjical Strike

3.5/5

Tankian approved Texas quintet deliver interesting major label debut

On first listen to ‘Fables From A Mayfly’ it becomes glaringly obvious why Serj Tankian recruited the Texas rock outfit. It could be many reasons but the fact the band’s sound stands out like a sore thumb is more than likely the main factor.

Whilst the album is predominantly a rock album, the music churned out by the quintet just seems more compelling and more daring than your average rock band. This appears to be the bands positive and negative aspect that in places sounds fantastic but in others sounds quite odd. The first track exposes these pro’s and con’s. ‘Dance Of The Manatee’ is a wrecking ball that will pummel you with its sheer power as Brett Stowers batters his skins like you would if someone had a gun to your head. The chorus is written with arena sized audiences in mind, with Darroh Sudderth’s voice sounding strong enough to reach the back of any sized audience. The song is somewhat tainted with the final third however when the vocalist starts growling as the song breaks down into a more dark direction, which spoils what was destined to be an awesome first impression.

Each song on ‘Fables’ is as epic as the next and some are so huge that the band could give Muse a good run for their money. This effect is a concoction of fantastic vocals, outstandingly written lyrics and an emotion that drives each song powerfully on to the next. The album is so well written and orchestrated you feel part of the story that the band indulge you with. ‘The Wife, The Kids And The White Picket Fence’ is a rollercoaster of emotion and drama that demands your undivided attention from start to finish. The passion Darroh has for each word he wrote is delivered with heart and the gentle guitar play adds effect to what is a beautiful song. ‘Upgrade Brigade’ is a monster that kicks and screams through your eardrums. The squealing guitars are deafening in a positive way and the bass line is delivered perfectly. Brilliant would be one way to describe the song.

Although this may be the first time you have heard of Fair To Midland, it certainly will not be the last. If the Texas bunch manage to bulldoze their way through the difficult second major label album, the future will be very bright for the band. Not a perfect record but a damn good demonstration for what is hopefully to come from Fair To Midland.


Liam Spencer