Fosca - The Painted Side of The Rocket
2 Comments Published by Trev Lostmusic on Sunday, June 08, 2008 at 11:24.
Fosca have always been a band that I have liked the idea of. Led by the Dickon Edwards, the self styled 'dandy and fop'. I was always wary that the band were more style than substance. I'd seen the band a few times down the years and they were always 'ok' - occasionally hitting giddy heights - but I had a nagging doubt that they weren't quite the real deal."I've Agreed to Something I Shouldn't Have" kicks off the LP. That's the song that Fosca released on The Kids at the Club compilation from 2006. And it's everything that Fosca should be, a little pomp and a fair bit of swagger - like an indiepop Morrissey. Elsewhere on "The Painted Side of The Rocket" it's fair to say that Fosca have finally made a record that matches their previous promise. They've finally delivered a record that has the songs and sounds to match their ambitious reach. 'Head Boy' is a great swirl of pop music. The influence of Luke Haines seems evident throughout and Dickon Edwards's songs echo the wordplay and Englishness that Black Box Recorder revelled in.
Fosca's third LP has made me take notice of a band that I had consigned to the nearly but not quite pile. Take a listen for yourself - on the band's My Space page. "The Painted Side of The Rocket" was a a pleasant surprise and one more people should hear.
Fosca - Confused and Proud
The Painted Side of The Rocket - is out now on But is it Art?
So if I do have that feeling you describe you had before, with this album (I don't hate it, but I can't love it) I don't need to look in the past for better?
I'm not sure what it is. I think the lyrics just make my toes curl in that very uneasy way. It's hard to put a finger on what's wrong with it. The music is quite fine, it seems.
I'd definitely advise trying before buying their back catalogue. I think this is their best record - but I haven't played the earlier ones a whole lot - as I couldn't connect with it. This one made a better impression.