This is the seventh full-length album from Welsh post-hardcore band Funeral For A Friend. Since gaining popularity in the UK with their first album Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation in 2003, they’ve kept themselves well and truly relevant among angsty teens as well as a dedicated fan base. After all this time and experience, Chapter & Verse proves to be something to look forward too.
Some bands at this point in their career fall into the trap of staying safe with their music and just trying to keep their fans happy. These guys have managed to keep their sound interesting without straying too far from what we expect from them. The general sound of Chapter & Verse seems more mature than earlier works. Less emo and more hardcore.
That said, songs like 1% and the acoustic Brother are still on the softer side. While Modern Excuse Of A Man, at only 1min 41sec, is the very definition of hardcore – short, fast and loud. The Jade Tree Years Were My Best is the longest song on the album, but somehow doesn’t feel like it. It goes for over eight minutes and is by far one of the most interesting tracks.
Although many of the songs blur together and don’t really have defining characteristics, the album is one that’s best played as a whole. Funeral For A Friend successfully balance screamo with enough melody to keep it from being over the top. If you liked their previous album Conduit, you’ll love this.
BY CASSIE HEDGER
