If you want to hear an earnest, emotional pop-rock song slowly rising in intensity The Fray are your band. However, if you get bored by the same thing musically after awhile, you are likely to stray from concentration on their new album. The talent of the Colorado-based band is obvious, but that only makes the dull repetition here that much more frustrating.
Pieces of Potential Greatness
The Fray's frontman Isaac Slade has one of the most memorable and instantly engaging voices in current pop music. There is a gravelly undercurrent that only enhances emotional dynamic changes as the songs slowly build. Unfortunately, the Fray's own music does little to stretch in new, exciting directions. In addition, the band's lyrics are frequently arresting and affecting but too easily get swallowed by formula. The piano-based rock sound of the band is pleasing...the first time around. If you are happy with the single "You Found Me" it's a bit difficult to see what else here you really need.
Venturing Slightly in Different Directions
There are moments in which the Fray seem to loosen up and explore in slightly different directions. "Where the Story Ends" has a light footprint that is refreshing. "Ungodly Hour" cleverly exploits the title of the song with a hymn-like feel. A touch of electronic funk and jazz peps up "We Build Then We Break" even as the song attempts to veer into the band's standard formula. Unfortunately, these moments are all too fleeting over the course of the 10 song album.
Top Tracks on The Fray
- "You Found Me"
- "Where the Story Ends"
- "Ungodly Hour"
Concentration Wavers
The Fray have the pieces, but the band's music too often feels like less than the sum of its parts. If you are already a committed fan, you will indeed get more of the same from the band here. However, if you are only a casual fan, the Fray have not yet made a strong argument for why you need more than a handful of their songs.
