‘If the shoe fits, you couldn’t walk in none of mine’
I saw these lads support Deaf Havana, before lockdown came and decimated everything we hold precious, they are friendly, funny and such a joy to watch onstage, I have very fond memories of that show.
Fast forward and today I have their brand new album ‘Business As Usual’ a definitive mover and shaker amongst all other movers and shakers.
The 60’s soul vibes of ‘Since You Made A Move’ sees Jamie Keenan step up to the mic and sing, I do love a singing drummer – ahem, Atreyu, Mastodon – nudge nudge, wink, wink. The alluring Disco fever video is very well made and complements the song perfectly. I am reminded of the OutKast video for ‘Hey Ya’ what an absolute stunner that was! You will find power precision in the words ‘you can go and fire those shots, but fuck me you gone miss’ how these dark lyrics are hidden under the cover of Disco shows that these fellas are adept in the art of lure and capture, a little friendly fire to up the ante, so to speak.
‘My town never even had a fuckin’ job for me’ highlights the state of our nation, the hardship, the loss, the dread of what tomorrow might bring, but at its core, there is a love for the place you call home. Taken from ‘Where They Know My Name’ it is time to champion all our hometowns because, good or bad, home is what makes you what you are. The hilarious ‘Schematics’ is a fuck you to the fat cats – not real cats y’understand, I love our furry friends- but those who can do so much good yet decide to play the evil card. They say that when you sup with the devil, you need a longer spoon, it’s time to get your spoon. The LaFontaines are Kerr Okan – vocals, Jamie Keenan – drums and Darren McCaughey on guitar and together these three amigos trailblaze through the Rock and Rap wasteland and come up smelling of roses. An exceptional body of work, accessible and relatable, the fusion of the sounds is colourful, and the lyrics are catchy, making this an undeniably attractive album. The rousing ‘Any Day Now’ has melodies to lift you, typical of this record, these lads are acutely tuned when it comes to how songs should sound, allowing for that breath of fresh air to really work its magic. There is sweetness oozing from ‘July 11th’ which I can only assume is for Otis, who is Kerr’s son, a beautiful tribute and legacy from his father and one that will hopefully apply to many relationships, we hope their love and respect for one another and the family unit grows into something wonderful and something to be cherished and something we can all learn from.
When you overstay your welcome, it’s time to put your hood up and cover your face because if you cut me deep, l hold a grudge for a lifetime.
Azra Pathan
The LaFontaines – Business As Usual out now