Sunderland five-piece Frankie & The Heartstrings already have a pretty impressive CV. Support slots with Edwyn Collins, Florence & The Machine and fellow "Mackems", The Futureheads. Gracing stages at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Latitude and Summer Sundae. And even having the honour of being the first band in 5 years to have a one-off single released on Rough Trade Records. When it came to a more permanent record label however, the band side-stepped the typical label war in favour of setting up their own label and archive, PopSex Ltd, as a way to make fans' experience with the bands music much more personal.
With the band's hero, legend Edwyn Collins on side as producer, Frankie & The Heartstrings are finally ready to release their debut album, 'Hunger'. Recorded at Edwyn's West Heath Studios in London, it's a collection of 10 songs that completely encapsulate the emotion and excitement surrounding one of the potential big hitters of 2011. With track after track of perfect indie-pop, F&TH are a welcome addition to the record collection of any fan of fresh, raw talent. Comparisons with The Futureheads aren't completely far off - that same breed of Northern passion, literate delivery, and smart lyrics are evident in each song.
 With the band's hero, legend Edwyn Collins on side as producer, Frankie & The Heartstrings are finally ready to release their debut album, 'Hunger'. Recorded at Edwyn's West Heath Studios in London, it's a collection of 10 songs that completely encapsulate the emotion and excitement surrounding one of the potential big hitters of 2011. With track after track of perfect indie-pop, F&TH are a welcome addition to the record collection of any fan of fresh, raw talent. Comparisons with The Futureheads aren't completely far off - that same breed of Northern passion, literate delivery, and smart lyrics are evident in each song.
The band's first single release, double A-side 'Hunger' and 'Fragile', are perfect representations of what the band are about. On one side you have 'Hunger', a compelling indie-pop gem with an addictive catchy chorus that'll be stuck in your head for days. On the other, 'Fragile', a gorgeous melody-filled song absolutely made to show off lead singer, Frankie Francis' impressive vocals.
'It's Obvious' has an almost Franz Ferdinand-style intro - and that's not necessarily a bad thing! In true Franz style, the catchy hook that draws you in from the start is exactly what you want in an album track. And it's those riffs that are a common theme throughout the impressive debut. 'Ungrateful' is a definite nod to the 80's with it's genuine retro feel almost reminiscent of Mystery Jets' 'Two Doors Down'. Whilst 'That Postcard' has a catchy 60's Brit-pop vibe, giving the band an all-round style that slots easily into various genres.
With most of the tracks averaging in at around the three-minute mark, 'Hunger' is a pretty short debut, but quite frankly, it really doesn't matter. Half an hour is all you need to fall in love with Frankie & The Heartstrings. They clearly have a genuine passion for what they do, and that shines through in the tight musicianship, quality lyrics, and professional yet raw production. This is one album that is certainly "all killer, no filler"!
F&TH have youth on their side, as well as the talent and credibility to last. Some of these new, young, NME-loved bands don't always have an obvious longevity, but this band definitely does. The excitement surrounding them is enough to keep them at the forefront of music lover's minds, and hopefully 'Hunger' will thrust them into the limelight and give them the recognition they deserve for what is a damn good debut album. A definite "one to watch" for 2011, and an album you need in your collection - you won't regret it!
'Hunger' is released on 21st February, and Frankie & The Heartstrings are on tour in support of their debut now.
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