Some of you may already be aware that after seeing this band live and meeting them earlier this year, I became a big fan! That band is none other than The Faim!
The band have been together and making music for years. Previously known as Small Town Heroes, the band re branded themselves and composed new music under their new name.
Earlier this year the band released a free download during UK tour which included the brilliant hits "Saints Of The Sinners", "Midland Line" and "Make Believe".
The band's debut single "Saints Of The Sinners" was co-written by Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz. This also giving The Faim a very similar sound to Fall Out Boy.
After completing a very successful tour of the UK and many other countries around the globe, the band have grown hugely in popularity and making them a household name.
When I was lucky enough to meet band members Josh, Mikey, Stephen and Sean just a few months ago, I had actually asked them about the potential of a full debut album release. Each of them had said they were working on new material for an album which was set for release later this year. Although this release is not technically a full album, they kept to their promises and gave the fans an awesome EP with six recorded tracks. The EP includes the title track "Summer Is A Curse" and also follow up single and the band's latest release "A Million Stars".
Here's a quick breakdown of each track from the EP and what to expect. Also included are the audio tracks for each title.
1. Summer Is A Curse
This single was released earlier in the summer of this year and is an instantly likeable single. Slightly more laid back, relaxed sound compared to most of the band's other titles Watch the music video for "Summer Is A Curse" below!
(Official music video for "Summer Is A Curse" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
2. A Million Stars
This is the current single from The Faim. During this song you will hear a story about a brief intimate relationship that formed over a fun filled "magical weekend" but was sadly brought to an end leaving a sense of longing over time. The song is quite varied in regard to its sound, there pop, a little alternative rock and even a little reggae. There is also a line in this song which I always end up singing quietly when I see a plane in the sky "And the airplanes fly, cross the midnight sky, see the flashing lights!" So this single is now actually imprinted in my brain. I love it!
(Official Audio of "A Million Stars" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
3. Make Believe
This is a personal favourite of mine. Make Believe had previously been released on the band's UK tour Ep and is also an amazing track to hear and see performed live. This is probably a track on the album that a lot of people can easily relate to. Especially those who suffer with low mood, anxiety or depression. It's a song about feeling numb and pretty much being stuck in a bubble. The song may sound depressing from the way I have described it, but for me personally, I feel it's quite empowering as so many can relate to it. This is a song that showcases the band's music diversity as this is more of a ballad. This is also where front man Josh is able to show his impressive vocal range.
(Official audio for "Make Believe" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
4. I Can Feel You
I Can Feel You has a very upbeat energy. It is a pretty great feel good song. Lyrics tell a story of fun and intimacy between two people in the making of a potential new relationship. When this is performed live, it is very likely that the audience will be told to "Jump!" as the first chorus of the song kicks in. So it's so hard not to hear singer Josh shouting the instruction at me in my mind as I listen to the recorded version. Haha!
(Official audio of "I Can Feel You" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
5. My Heart Needs To Breathe
This is certainly a release that could be classed as an anthem from The Faim. The song depicts what is often referred to as a toxic relationship. It brings across a serious message in a somewhat strained situation and basically asks the question Are you in or are you out? Or more bluntly, make your bloody mind up! Although a brilliant head bopper, the song does contain strong adult language, so this is not intended for an immature listener. If you're anything like me, and your other half has really wound you up the wrong way, then play this track to just get rid of your feelings of anger. It always makes me feel better as I loudly sing the lyrics of this song, very out of tune may I add. But it does work wonders!
(Official audio for "My Heart Needs To Breathe" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
6. When It Comes
This track caused a lot of upset when the news came out that it would be featuring on this EP. It made many fans of The Faim question, where is the infamous "Infamous"? Infamous (which my three year old son calls "In The Mess" haha) is a song that the band are very well known for performing at their live shows and it is one that a lot of the fanbase really enjoy. So many were surprised to see it left off of this EP and replaced with "When It Comes", a song that had only been performed just a handful of times. I hadn't heard this song performed in any of the live sets that I have seen of the Australian quartet. So I was also one of those people wondering why it was on this EP. Although, upon actually listening to "When It Comes" it became one of my favourites on this EP release. The track is also based on a relationship which maybe holds some uncertainty. Although I am gutted not to see Infamous on this release, I am actually happy to be able to play "When It Comes" on repeat for as long as I want to.
(Official audio for "When It Comes" by The Faim - courtesy of YouTube)
I love The Faim and their music, they are some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet and I can't wait for future releases and live shows from them. Well done guys, you should all be incredibly proud of this EP. Your hard work and passion for music really does stand out.
Summer Is A Curse EP is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, itunes and Google Play. Go get it now!