Chaos For The Fly. Grian Chatten

Grian Chatten surprises with a solo album that is truly different from the music he makes with his band, Fontaines D.C.. His voice is his voice but even that he is showing different sides of continuously here. Some time ago I read an interview with Chatten saying that he had a bunch of songs that, to paraphrase him, did not fit in with the punk/alternative rock Fontaines D.C. usually plays. All the songs on Chaos For The Fly are far softer and intimate. Although Fontaines D.C. certainly is changing its sound, this is next level.

'The Score' opens the album and with its Air like bass sound, the album opens in a totally surprising and satisfactory way. With its 80s electronic percussion the song goes back in time before Chatten was even born. The opening is voice, acoustic guitar and some atmospherics on keys. It is only in the second verse that the bass and percussion come in, changing the song into a mix of Serge Gainsbourg/Air and 80s. All the time it is Grian Chatten who sings over it with a soft voice while having that rasp within his grasp. The hint of it is present and it's enough.

In essence, this is all you need to know about Chaos For The Fly. The other songs' arrangements are variations to this theme. A few things stand out that I would like to share with you here.

First is that the songs on Chaos For The Fly are in fear of becoming boring. When all is said and done, not that much is happening. Fact is, they don't. With each spin I'm more attracted to the album. I start noticing and more importantly appreciating what Chatten has done to prevent the song from becoming boring.

So, here's number two. There are so many rich details and changes in the instruments, that each individual song stands out, sometimes totally surprising me. Even after many listening sessions other details present themselves.

Thirdly, the addition of a female voice in a few of the songs in a prominent way changes the feel of the album immediately, enriching it a bit more in the process. The singer is Chatten fiancée, Georgie Jesson. It really makes a difference.

Finally, Chatten varies with genres and times. The 60s, James Bond, atmosphere of 'Bob's Casino, brings Herb Alpert to mind and perhaps Chatten is showing to Jesson here that 'This Guy Is In Love With You'.

Bringing it all together, Chaos For The fly is a nice album that may grow into great. Grian Chatten shows he is far more than just the singer of Fontaines D.C. but a singer-songwriter in his own right. It's clear that should the band for whatever reason stop, there at minimum is one member who has no need to worry. For now let us enjoy the best both worlds.

And just when I'm finishing up, the reference that kept alluding me is there, the new Arctic Monkeys. I dismiss the thought anyway, as this album is so much more playful.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Chaos For The Fly here:

https://grianchatten.bandcamp.com/album/chaos-for-the-fly