Album Of The Week: Almost Free — FIDLAR
Three studio albums into their musical career, FIDLAR have released what is perhaps their most eclectic album yet. Is it a sign that times are changing? Here’s Patrick Bescoby’s take on our Album of the Week.
After three and a half years away, FIDLAR are back, with their third album: Almost Free. The ‘LAR’ part of FIDLAR stands for ‘Life’s A Risk’, and it is evident on this latest album, more so than on any other album they’ve released before, that this is the biggest musical risk the band have taken so far.
Known for their grungy and post-punk style, Almost Free displays a maturity from the Los Angeles based four-piece, as well as their capacity for experimentation, demonstrating the extent of their musical ability. The singles from the album, ‘By Myself’ and ‘Can’t You See’, show this change in style and sound, boasting catchy rhythms and melodic vocals from frontman Zac Carper—a stark contrast to the sound of loud, energetic drums and fast, frenetic guitar riffs that FIDLAR are known for.
However, it isn’t all change on the release, and there’s a great balance between the new vibes that the band are channeling, and their more classic sounds. Much like in their previous releases, one of the most evident themes in Almost Free is found in the lyrics. Carper’s wild past, driven by drink and drugs, remains a clear trope throughout FIDLAR’s three studio albums; it is the driving force that motivates the emotion and passion which is so prominent in both their recorded and live performances. But the album finishes on the song ‘Good Times Are Over’, a moment of reflection which highlights the attitude Carper now has towards his former self, he sings: “don’t forget me when you are feeling better”.
On Almost Free, FIDLAR overtly acknowledge that times have changed. They’ve had to grow up. And although they might not be as wild backstage—as well as off the stage—anymore, they are certainly still wild on the stage, and clearly know how to take it down a tone with this newfound musical style too.
Almost Free is a superb album from an equally superb band, who seem to be trying to come to terms with—as is soon to be the case for many of us—the looming prospect of having to give up the crazy party days of youth. On this album at least, they seem to have got the hang of it.
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