"Memory and humanity" CD by Funeral For A Friend

by Oliver Kube (03.11.2008) For their fourth album, the modern Alternative Rockers have engaged their compatriot Romesh Dodangoda as producer. This gentleman has already worked his magic on the releases of The Blackout, and the up-and-coming Kids In Glass Houses - and has used his magic wand here, too. Be it the brutal juggernaut "Kicking and screaming", melancholic "To die like a mouchette" (garnered with some distinctively pointed guitar work), or straight rockers "Maybe I am?" and "Someday the fire" - the mighty, voluminous, yet versatile sound of the boysaround front man Matt Davies is always arena-proof. But even over the headphones of a simple walkman, these songs don’t lose their power. Funeral For A Friend’s mixture of Post-Hardcore, Emo- and Nu Rock hasn’t had that oomph and hasn’t been that intoxicating and melodic so far. A promising band has passed the line - and has come of age.