Fratellis: In Your Own Sweet Time

The Fratellis- No they're not your favorite family run Italian restaurant. No, they're not related to the criminal 'bad guys' from the Goonies. They are however, the greatest rock band to come out of Glasgow in the past 20 years, (closely followed up by  Franz Ferdinand), and they're back this Spring with their new album, In Your Own Sweet Time.

I've been a long time fan of The Fratellis, at least since they came back together to make We Need Medicine in 2013. A long time ago, These Scottish kings of alternative grabbed everyone's attention seemingly overnight with their first album, Costello Music, and its energetic, pub-rock melodies.  The debut album of this newly formed band, charmed everyone to death with it's glib, boisterous sound. People couldn't stop humming the irresistible hooks on Chelsea Dagger and Henrietta, both tracks that bring Music Hall raunchiness to the modern ear. Whistle For the Choir had me feeling sentimental every time I played it; their boyish love struck magic had me and countless others hooked.

While their first record sling-shotted them to their peak popularity, The Fratellis have slowly lost mainstream attention, freeing themselves up to do their own thing, away from the public eye. A strong and trustworthy following still stand besides them, as their later albums took on different musical approaches and matured out of their boyish sound. Here We Stand came out in 2008, to moderate success, exploring a different but similar energy, which the band members stated allowed them to explore more of the music they liked to play. With Eyes Wide Tongue Tied (2015), and In Your Own Sweet Time, The Fratellis have grown up, refined their style from their garage band roots to veteran artists crossing genres and exploring the use of a full orchestra.

The changes in the band reflect the band leader's evolution as an artist. Jon Fratelli (Lawler), the band's vocalist and creative director no longer sounds like a charming teen with the occasional voice crack. Instead, Lawler glides through tracks like Stand-up Tragedy, and Sugartown from the new record, with soul and maturity, showing off his increased vocal register, and growth as a musician.

Lawler came back from an extended hiatus in 2012, bringing with him some trade tricks after working on other projects with Codeine Velvet Club, and his independent album, Psycho Jukebox. Jon, Barry and Mince Fratelli, produced three studio albums in the time since, ranging in style from rockabilly blues, to British musical hall.

Among their retinue who helped create In Your Own Sweet Time, The Fratellis reinvited Tony Hoffer to be their producer and auxiliary creative head. Hoffer had previously produced Costello Music, the debut album that launched the Fratellis into stardom back in 2006, and contributed to Eyes Wide Tongue Tied. His touch of creativity helped transform the tracks on In Your Own Sweet Time from the simple rock songs of the bands' earlier days, to much richer melodies, layered with choruses, stringers and brass sections.

In Your Own Sweet Time is an exciting addition to the Fratellis' discography, more mature than previous records, showing a positive growth from their earlier works. Although what made so many people fall in instant love with the group was their straightforward, catchy sound, The Fratellis have shown versatility and adaptation, experimenting with styles the band members want to play, over selling out for more popularity. Each album sounds unique from the next and maps the musicians' growth, something the band's cohorts of loyal fans can appreciate.

The album clocks in at 46 minutes divided between 11 tracks. While the overall tone of the record is moderately energetic, it's more toned down than their first two albums, will longer songs that take their time to develop. The lyrics play with gallow's humor and ballads of heartache, much like their earlier work, although Lawler's matured voice plays the part better the older and croakier it gets. The single, Starcrossed Losers is a tragic ballad with a sweetness to it; The Fratellis never get to melancholy or depressing and always balance heavy topics with a sardonic sense of humor.

While not every track in the album is perfectly memorable, the collection as a whole feels very satisfying, and the tracks blend together so well that any dull points in the music get swept over by the next catchier song. Towards the end of the album, the band pairs together two wonderfully groovy funk songs, only to end with a six minute Indian influence raga-rock ballad. The record feels fresh and fun, different than all the rest but enjoyable to the same extent.

Be sure to check out In Your Own Sweet Time, released just recently on March 16th, and be sure to explore the remaining Fratellis discography that I only briefly skimmed over.