frYars - Dark Young Hearts
An ambitious project for one man but it seems for now at least Garrett has overstretched himself.
frYars is Ben Garrett, who specialises is what he describes as electronic show tunes, and the emphasis is certainly on the theatrical throughout the vintage synths and faux brooding that dominate the entirety of 'Dark Young Hearts'.
Although keyboard-based, this is about as far away from you can get from the glacial minimalism that the term 'electronica' implies and sits firmly in the box marked 'slightly highbrow pop'. Musically, the stranger, wonkier numbers are more effective than the more straightforward Pet Shop Boys pastiches, and when Garrett does try something different the sound is much harder to pin down and infinitely more engaging. There are elements of New Order along with aforementioned PSB and perhaps most pertinently ABC, although Garrett is certainly not quite yet the singer Martin Fry was in his pomp.
Garrett's baritone is too weak and unsure of itself to act as the focal point that the record wants it to be; while he aims for authority Garrett will often change his mind and slip out into a higher and lazy spoken word mode that is equally unsatisfying. If the album leaves a lot to be desired vocally then the lyrics are not likely to save the album either. Lines such as "I'll say no to hitch-hikers but all the same I'll love my neighbour" are tossed off as though dispensing wisdom in a oddly tongue in cheek manner. However, 'Jerusalem' is lifted somewhat by a slightly boozy, slurred chorus that is reminiscent of The Divine Comedy.
Dave Gahan's guest slot would suggest friends in high places - Gahan is unlikely to feel out of place atop such musical backing - but the track simply begs the question of why you wouldn't just listen to Depeche Mode instead. It is however, like the rest of 'Dark Young Hearts', impeccably produced and winningly catchy while sadly lacking any soul or conviction. The real low point though comes in the shape of 'The Novelist's Wife' which sounds like a less hysterical Mika.
'Dark Young Hearts' Is certainly an ambitious project for one man but it seems for now at least Garrett has overstretched himself, as there is a distinct lack of direction, or at the very least, a distinct lack of certainty in the direction. But there are positives, at his young age there is still time to scrap the forced eccentricities, develop those vocal chords and concentrate on the songs. Let's hope he does and comes back stronger.
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