As I sit here giving Fainites “Battle Scars“ another listen, it’s hard to believe I first came into contact with head honcho Chris Perrin some 20 years ago. It was back when his original band Thirst were still finding their feet, only to soon be cited as Portsmouth’s next big thing.
When a record deal with Zip Records came about, “From Mouth to Skin” was released in the year 2000, closely followed by an American tour. Thirst may have long since called it a day, but with the end of an era, a youthful Chris Perrin set the bench mark for his future projects.
Since those early days, Perrin has often stuck to his love of ‘90s grunge. As such with “Numbers & Figures” and “Body of Bones” the initial Fainites demos were true to form, continuing in the same vein.
With the bands’ official debut EP however “Battle Scars” (out on 17th April), Fainites show a matured frontman, yet one who continues to prove himself as a great songwriter. The band have only been together a year, but having caught them live at the Edge of the Wedge and Icebreaker Festival, you can tell they’ve instantly bonded musically.
Fainites – Icebreaker Festival
Opening track “Subtractions” delves in and out of its key riff, the bass line (courtesy of Kodiak Jack’s Kev Farren) welcoming a solid rhythm section to the new outfit. The personal “Geraldine” alsohas Chris in good voice, if anything the EP having a more relaxed and natural approach to his vocals.
With this being a 4 track EP, rather than a full album “Little Giant” and “Arms around the Frame” provide the 2nd half of the release. Both show that there’s a touch of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” following the aforementioned demos, but that’s definitely fine by me.
They may not be breaking new boundaries, but then again that’s not their intention. Ultimately Fainities concentrate on writing and recording some well written tunes, ones that their fans will be proud of.
Download the EP when it’s released or grab a hard copy at a gig while you get the chance.
Fainites
