Australian rock quartet The Faim have released their second album of sweet, summer bangers TALK, TALK today via BMG.
The group have amassed over 150 million streams globally – and it’s just the beginning for them, having proven to be musicians who are all about crafting genuine songs that bring people together and create a sense of community.
The Faim’s latest LP was recorded between Los Angeles and Perth and explores themes of: nostalgia, celebration, escapism and self-discovery. The band worked with several producers on TALK, TALK, including Zakk Cervini (Bring Me The Horizon, Yungblud, Machine Gun Kelly), Erik Ron (Panic! At The Disco, Godsmack, Set It Off) and Matthew Pauling (Palaye Royale, 5 Seconds Of Summer, State Champs) in order to best showcase their vast range of styles and tones.
Commenting on the overall values of The Faim, bassist and keyboard player Stephen Beerkens said: “You’ll never get anything fake from us. Our hearts and souls are on our sleeves 100 percent of the time. We want to keep things true to how we started. We do this because we love music, and we want to play music and that’s it. There are no ulterior motives. The goal is to play music and that will be the goal for our entire career.“
‘madly badly fixed‘ opens the LP and works as a statement of intent of sorts thematically, indicating the tremendous levels of passion sewn into TALK, TALK‘s rich lyrical tapestry. Lyrics here detail a relationship narrated by a besotted lover: “I’m madly, badly, fixed, I’d die for you / And I’d gladly hand my heart over for you.”
After the high-adrenaline hit ‘The Hills,’ ‘You (and my Addiction)‘ follows on seamlessly in the wake of ‘madly badly fixed,’ as feelings of yearning trickle through once more: “So please find me some time alone with you and my addiction ’cause I / I got eleven missed calls but I just want yours tonight.” Poppy influences are present, creating a smooth sound to accompany the anthemic style.
‘The Alchemist‘ has a warm and cosy gloss, still sporting a modern and fresh sheen on its composition. Combining soft cooing and stripped back strumming, a captivating aura engulfs the track, adding layers to its quiet strength.
The album’s pacing takes a very different route as it reaches ‘Faith In Me,’ which bursts forth energetically with a rapturous joy as saccharine sweet melodies wind their way through the track. Before listeners get swept away in the cinematic charm of this portion of TALK, TALK, the tempo is then cranked up another notch as the driving ‘Ease My Mind‘ floods in, where pummelling drums meet a frenzy of crashing guitars. A heavier, personal side of the band’s songwriting is showcased as the track surrounds the anxious feelings of uncertainty and discomfort which member Stephen experienced during an unpredictable period in his life.
‘Me Because Of You,’ the latest single from The Faim has a synthesised and funky tone, spearheaded by irresistibly catchy hooks. Speaking about the song, Stephen explained: “’Me Because Of You‘ was written about embracing change and letting go of a past version of yourself, and the lyrics recognise the huge impact that someone else can have on the process. This song was also a huge milestone for us, as it’s our first release that has been completely self-produced.”
TALK, TALK wraps up on a hopeful note with ‘ERA.’ A giant of a song, its celebratory spirit blooms majestically, looking to the future but also emphasising the beauty that can be found in nostalgia and looking back, not simply focusing on melancholy feelings of longing when ruminating on what is lost. A twinkling opening sets the scene for moments of swelling strings and earnest vocal delivery from Josh Raven.
This latest record from The Faim flies by upon consumption, cohesively gliding through a colourful and sincere spectrum of emotions. A tangible and cutting edge slice of rock excellence, TALK, TALK is sure to leave an imprint on your soul long after your last listen.
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TALK, TALK is available to buy and stream now on all major platforms.
The Faim are eager to be back on the road after the pandemic lull, and have recently played at Rock am Ring and Download festivals. Catch the band on Tour, tickets available here.
TRACK LISTING:
1. madly, badly, fixed
2. The Hills
3. You (and my Addiction)
4. The Alchemist
5. Life in a Cinema
6. Faith in Me
7. Ease My Mind
8. Me Because Of You
9. Flowers
10. Jealous Love
11. ERA