The Fray – The Fray

Releasedate: 30-03-2009; Label: Epic
By: Sabine van Gameren

The Fray released their debut album “How To Save A Life” in 2007 and it was an instant success. The pop rock band is now back with their second album “The Fray”

This band is coming from Denver, USA and makes some typical pop rock music with a lot of melody. You can hear slightly Coldplay influenced guitar work, a sweet melodramatic voice and sometimes some keys to add more melody. There is a lot piano driven music on this album and don’t expect to much of this, don’t expect to hear a piano virtuous in here, it’s all quite simple. Yet, it’s catchy and very hit potential. Take for example “You found me” which seems to be made for the charts specific. Sometimes I feel a bit sorry that the band sticks to this typical commercial path during the whole cd. I hoped for them to take some risk and have one or two songs which are rawer. The songs stay a little simple most of the time, which is a pity. Also, the songs all have a bit of the same template.
Compare that to their very first album and you know there is not too much different. The band did make advantage of the success of their first release. They took all the feedback they had back to the studio and the total production came out stronger. And that speaks for them.

Actually, we do need this sort of music as well to listen to in your car, dream away with in your car or just when you feel like listening less loaded music for a change.

Tracklist: 1. Syndicate 2. Absolute 3. You Found Me 4. Say When 5. Never Say Never 6. Where the Story Ends 7. Enough For Now 8. Ungodly Hour 9. We Build Then We Break 10. Happiness

Links:
The Fray MySpace
The Fray Official