Review by Dom Vigil
Scottish indie rock trio, Fatherson certainly haven’t forgotten their roots, but they’ve grown immensely since their debut full-length release, I Am an Island back in 2014. On their latest effort, Sum Of All Your Parts, Fatherson build off of the emotive vocal work that they’ve become known for with epic, anthemic and powerful songwriting. Sum Of All Your Parts is cinematic in a sense, each track swelling with emotion and stunning instrumentals, making for a soothing and cathartic listen.
The album’s opening track, “The Rain” feels like the introduction to a movie – it introduces the stunning sound that can be found on the entirety of Sum Of All Your Parts, which takes a step away from a more rock-based sound to something a little more experimental and ambient at times. Track after track, Fatherson prove that, while they’re definitely still the same band as four years ago, they sound much more refined and confident.
Each track on Sum Of All Your Parts has a tendency to grow, too. Although many of these tracks do seem to have a similar song structure, the build and eventual explosion throughout each song never gets old. Songs like “Making Waves” and the heartbreakingly beautiful, “Nothing To No One” are perfect examples of this. Meanwhile, there are a few driving tracks like “Gratitude,” which is very energetic right off the bat. Another standout is “Oh Yes,” which hits hard with a hopeful, relatable tone.
Near the end of the album, “Ghost” keeps things interesting with spectacular vocal work, a strong bass line and explosive chorus. It’s a song that you’re going to want to see live. Same goes for the catchy as hell “Charm School,” which breaks the mold songwriting wise.
Sum Of All Your Parts is definitely an album that you’re going to want to listen to more than once for it to fully sink in, but one thing you’re bound to notice right off the bat is the amount of soul and emotion that has been poured into this release. Vocalist Ross Leighton has an incredible way of pouring all of his emotions into his vocal work, and it certainly pays off. Sum Of All Your Parts might not be explosive by any means, but what it lacks in high energy it makes up for in emotional lyricism, powerful vocals and massive swells of sound that are bound to hit hard, even on slower tracks. Sum Of All Your Parts truly is a beautiful release.
LISTEN TO: “Oh Yes” or “Charm School”
STAY CONNECTED WITH FATHERSON: https://www.facebook.com/fathersonband/