image used with fun's permission

New music coming just a bit later this month from one of my favorite musicians. Nate Reuss is the former lead singer of The Format. The Format made fun, orchestral, expansive, sometimes experimental indie pop which put a smile on your face whether you wanted it or not and despite the sometimes heart-wrenching material. But following the release of their second full-length, The Format broke up. Which in turn broke my heart. Their brand of music was not something easy to find on the airwaves and I often had a hard time telling people exactly what it is they did. It’s like if ELO and the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds era) mashed up and made even sunnier pop. Well they’re gone for now, maybe forever. Nate Reuss has returned with the members of two other bands Andrew Dost of Anathallo and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train to form fun. Fun has been working for quite some time on their debut album, Aim and Ignite.   Here’s a track by track review:

Be Calm- I love the name of this cause it’s the exact opposite of what it makes you feel during the verse and then in the chorus it floats into reassurance. The jabbing music really heightens the tension in this tune. A GREAT starter.

Benson Hedges- Nice electro and piano feel to this one. And the chorus shouts “HOLLLLY GHOOOOOST!” which in my opinion is just awesome. Fun tune overall, but hides a sadness I think.

All the Pretty Girls- This could be straight from a Format album, love this tune. Call and Response+ Hand Claps+Harmonies+Melodies= Joy.

I Wanna Be the One- Something about this tune doesn’t fit right with me. I think it’s the chorus. Seems a bit dramatic. I can’t unfortunately put into a song what is sticking with me.

At Least I’m Not as Sad as I Used to Be- This is a great tune and will probably be a single. It has a rolling, almost island feel to it at points and almost hits on showtune status with its conversational leanings. But a GOOD showtune.

Light A Roman Candle With Me- Nice horn intro, sounds like a GREAT karaoke song or soundtrack song. Sweet innocent tune about love.  This one is a grower, one listen is not enough. It’s making me feel younger each time I listen to it.

Walking the Dog- This might be the best song on the album. Upon first spin, it definitely is.  Funky pop used as a challenge to a lost love. This one has had many a replay. Start here newbies.

Barlights- A good uplifter. Shouting horns and raucous pop jamming backed by a choir? Please fun, may I have another.

The Gambler- A great change of pace heading into the end of the album.  It’s a quieter start and a simple piano piece and it chronicles the life of a family. It’s really touching. It seems like Nate puts one of these on each of his albums. It’s one of the things I love about him.

Take Your Time (Coming Home)- I like how it starts real low and builds. It actually reminds me a bit of Afro-Pop at its immediate beginning.  It clocks in at almost 8 minutes and has several different movements which makes it a joy to listen to. And in no way does it seem like 8 minutes has gone by, I was shocked to see how long it really was.

Wow. I love what The Format did and if this is what we have to look forward to from fun, I’ll love it as well. An excellent debut album. The name of the band couldn’t be more dead on and Nate, Andrew, and Jack have managed something few acts can do, they’ve made something that’s familiar and innovative at the same time. The sounds are reminiscent of The Format’s leanings, but they branch out in some new and exciting ways, expanding in places you might not expect and using new instrumentation and vocalization to give one of the fuller sounds in indie pop. I think this will be a great live show to see and I plan on doing so, you should do the same. While not having The Format around still stings, fun could turn out to be just the salve I need for those wounds, while Nate continues to lick his.

8.5/10

Aim and Ignite is out 8/25 thanks to themselves! Self-Released baby, go to ournameisfun.com to pre-order/purchase.