Fritz & Tony – The Party’s Over (Digital/CD Album – Dark Vinyl Records)
Behind this somewhat playful band name lies a legendary duo: Fritz Hagal (Sonne Hagal) and Tony Wakeford (Sol Invictus), joined by notable guests such as Matt Howden (Sieben), Risa Hara (Inanis Yoake), and Bo Rande (Blue Foundation). Fritz and Tony have collaborated before, but this new album is likely to attract greater attention.
I didn’t quite know what to expect, yet the two gentlemen have delivered a genuine surprise. Their music inhabits a space somewhere between Chanson, Dark-Jazz, and even touches of freestyle Pop, with occasional psychedelic undertones. What captivated me most, however, was the enchanting presence of the trumpet, which conjures up the atmosphere of film noir — dimly lit bars with soft seats, where you can sink back, light a cigar, and let the music’s spell unfold. The deep vocals add to this evocative mood, enhancing the album’s rich texture.
The record is impressively varied — at times restrained, at others grand and dramatic — yet always marked by refined arrangements. While not every song is equally convincing, there are truly stunning gems to be found among them. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Children’s Laughter”:
https://darkvinylrecords.bandcamp.com/track/childrens-laughter
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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