Albums by this artist

Home Truths From Abroad (1997)

Fretblanket

Home Truths From Abroad

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» KATHARINE KELLY | STAFF WRITER

Fretblanket Home Truths From Abroad Polygram, 1997 RiYL: Oasis, Bush

Imagine the average sound of an English alterna-pop band and you've got Fretblanket. The band's second release, Home Truths From Abroad, proves the group has the formula for MTV-culture success nailed: four not-too-bad-looking twenty-something guys, some bouncy and predictable guitar lines, a quirky little band name and a video.

But the thing about Fretblanket is it doesn't seem to be following the formula on purpose, the band is too sincere for that. Singer Will Copley's vocals have that familiar strained-and-tortured-soul quality, but he actually seems to mean it.

Even when he's singing such inconsequential lyrics as "Every mistake I make/ I could escape/and I feel okay," in the strummy sing-along "Accident En Route," Copley manages to make the listener believe that, yes, he is okay.

From the rock and roll radio-friendly first track, "Into the Ocean," to the pretty little finale, "Me And The Stars," Fretblanket feels every emotion, and wants you to feel it too. By all calculations, Fretblanket should be the next big thing. Let's hope sincerity doesn't get in the way.

KATHARINE KELLY |