Brilliantly named Fat Goth have been gradually conquering the hearts and souls of Scottish local music fans since 2007, and now they’re ready to unleash their heavy riffing rock on to the rest of the United Kingdom and most likely the world. This Dundonian 3-piece consists of frontman vocalist and guitarist Fraser Stewart, drummer Mark Keiller (formerly active in another Dundee great (and sadly ex-band) Pensioner) and bassist Kevin Black (also known from playing in Laeto, again from Dundee). If you’re Scottish and you say you’ve followed the local music scene, but you haven’t heard of Fat Goth before, sorry but you’ve been doing things wrong, as their mix of heavy rock, humour and musical technicality is about to start a global invasion.
This second full-length album called Stud is a 9-track alternative masterpiece. From the opening seconds of “Surf’s Down” it becomes clear that these lads love heavy riffing guitars, thumping and complex drumming and beautifully melodically played bass lines. The bass in particular draws lots of parallels with The Jesus Lizard sound, especially in its production as it’s very nicely put in the foreground of the mix. On the other hand it’s obvious that Fat Goth has a soft spot for The Melvins (and who doesn’t to be honest), as at times Stud hits upon that Melvins-like sludge heaviness.
The overall production is in fact brilliantly done. From the beautiful hi-hat work by drummer Keiller to the soft whispers by Stewart, every element is perfectly present in the mix on this album.
Second track “Debbie’s Dirty Harry” starts so progressively it could almost be taken from an old Frank Zappa album. And my comparison to Zappa doesn’t end here. It’s the humour in Stewart’s lyrics which reminds time and time again of Zappa’s back catalogue. There is a huge Mike Patton feeling to Stud as well, especially around Patton’s time with Mr. Bungle. Take for example the chorus in “Debbie’s Dirty Harry”: Oh, the daily grind, the daily chore, longing for something more unusual, so whenever you find yourself erect, tighten a noose around your neck, it’s the quintessential thrill.
It’s not all heavy riffing and up-tempo drumming though as the band takes a wee breather midway through with the almost country-like track “Pinball Moron”, which is a duet with local Dundee singer Alice Marra. Again, lyrically on top form, and this track demonstrates nicely that Fat Goth is indeed capable of writing songs hitting on different genres.
There is not a bad track on Stud and it doesn’t bore one single second, even the 11-minutes long epos “Bang Tidy” shines, again diving into the world of prog-rock. There are catchy elements throughout the album, giving most songs a pop song kind of appeal.
Stud is a great alternative heavy rock album and it will definitely pave the way for more nationwide recognition and hopefully this album will open the doors to more fans from outside the United Kingdom as well. BBC Radio Scotland DJ Vic Galloway already names Fat Goth his “favourite rock band on the planet” and I’m sure many people will agree. I have found an early favourite for 2013, and I’m sure by this time next year Stud will find its way back on numerous Album of the Year lists.
Stud released via Hefty Dafty Records on 28th January 2013.
Posted by Sander van den Driesche.
