Fair - Disappearing world

Many of you may have missed out on Fair's beautiful debut album, 'The best worst-case scenario'. Indeed, the American quartet are very quiet and discreet within the alternative rock scene, one of the main reasons being that the band features musician and superstar producer Aaron Sprinkle who has quite a busy schedule with his work on albums of everyone from Anberlin to Copeland or Emery. Thus, it took three years and a half for Fair's second full-length to come out. And now that it's finally available, I have to tell you that if you've never heard of the band, you're gonna have to buy both.

'Disappearing world' is a step up from Fair's debut album. It is such a pleasure to listen to new songs from them, but it's also great to see they're even better. Some of them are reminiscent of the first album but those are less emotionally powerful and also the most somber ones ('Walking in my sleep', 'Take some risks'). The four-piece not only applied the same solid formula, but they've also spoiled themselves with a few new musical experimentations, from the jazzy/bluesy sections of 'Walking in my sleep' to the tempo of the piano-driven 'Great divide'. The keys are indeed an important part of the band, omnipresent on half of the tracks and totally leading a song like 'The worst of your wear'. The ladder features guest vocals from Copeland's Aaron Marsch, what could be more normal when you hear the perfect combination of the two Aaron's voices. Marsch's singing comes to light up the melancholic composition and leaves you wondering how could your ears be treated better than by the association of those two wonderful voices. 'The escape artist' will prove anyone that Sprinkle is not only a talented producer, as this song is a gorgeous vocal and lyrical success. Very well-executed also are the two catchy upbeat numbers 'It's doubtful' and 'One last time'. You'd smile big if Sprinkle wasn't so touching when he sings: "If I'm happy / There's a good chance I'm lying through my teeth / Cause without you, it's doubtful". 'Anymore' is the simplest song and yet one of the most moving, as the lyrics are packed with huge emotion and sincerity. Despite a few weaker moments, the record a a whole is a musical and lyrical success. All along your listen, you'll find nothing but catchy, polished melodies and well-thought yet simple lyrics about faith, love and consciousness.

Fair are not a boring, dull, arrogant indie band. They create a meaningful, dreamy, addictive brand of music filled with sensations and emotions. Fair sing simplicity, and sing it well. Their pure and virgin sound doesn't lack any complexity, depth or other addition to be completely amazing. 'Disppearing world' is an excellent follow-up to 'The best-worst case scenario', taking back the elements that made their debut work so well and adding more consistency and variation. It is certain Fair will remain in their little bubble, far from the lights of the success but the unanimous critics have already proved their worth. Both of their albums are made of haute couture pop-rock and you'd be stupid not to give them a listen.

4/5

Recommanded if you like:
Copeland, Tegan And Sara, Death Cab For Cutie
Check also:
Poor Old Lu, Rose Blossom Punch, Lakes

www.myspace.com/fair
(Tooth & Nail Records, 2010)