It’s time to get to California to get a saturated sunshine wave from punk band FIDLAR and their new album SURVIVING THE DREAM. Review.
SURVIVING THE DREAM – FIDLAR
About a year after their acoustic album and five after their last saturated studio venture, FIDLAR is back with SURVIVING THE DREAM. If it sounds dark and acidic, this new record is also rather honest and vulnerable. Themes of drugs and addiction are still well present, sticking to the actually sober punks’ inspiration. That is also what allows them to open up on reasons for seeking sobriety, talking about love, and showing more of their vulnerability whilst keeping barred teeth. Their sound keeps the same winning formula and it still works its charm!
The band’s sharp riffs bulldoze through it all, and Zac Carper’s grainy and so peculiar vocals reveal uneasy, cutting yet comforting lyrics. On FIX ME, first, and then on LOW and DOWN N OUT, amongst others, where a tear becomes visible, fragile mental health is acknowledged, as are dark thoughts and addiction. SAD KIDS also touches on these issues with an upbeat and contagious tone and a dash of bitterness. It’s the portrait of a generation made without an ounce of judgement, only compassion, which contrast becomes incredibly gripping.
Their ultra-SoCal sound is wrapped in fiery lights on ORANGE COUNTY. On GET OFF MY WAVE and its raging surf rock undertones. The latter will absolutely unleash massive mosh-pits when played live! For BREAK YOUR HEART, they are touching on their ballad side. But with CHANGE, they’re revealing how hard it can be to reconcile vulnerability and anger. Vivid and catchy (MAKING SHIT UP) or saturated and chaotic (DOG HOUSE, I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS), their sound is strong-headed. Yet, it understands the different stages of healing. NUDGE and HURT are the perfect duo to close this new record. The former is buzzing and the latter tender and somehow more hopeful, but both always, always honest. Overall, this record is highly therapeutic and easy to relate to. If they’re not creating the surprise, FIDLAR does keep their promises and moves forward with SURVIVING THE DREAM, following their strong course.
