The Fades are a South London-based garage rock band who first featured on this blog thanks to their March double-A side Lost My Job and Time Is Right. Both tracks feature on their latest album Night Terrors. Released just in time for Halloween, it’s here to remind you that not all things that go bump in the night are supernatural.
By Graeme Smith
The modern world can be a ghoulish place, perhaps more so in the heart of the city that is London. It’s against a concrete backdrop of a Britain that becomes less and less fair by the day that The Fades release their latest album. It was written and recorded during and after pandemic lockdown, a time where togetherness was encouraged by those in charge, but not necessarily lived out through action.
Yet, despite all the gloom, Night Terrors can be oddly optimistic collection. Opener Time Is Right is a scream-along instrumental blunderbuss of less than two minutes and it sets the scene nicely. You Follow Me Around stalks after. Bright and jangly, it’s rock with one eye on feelgood indie pop.
The Pessimist, by contrast, goes heavy. Horror-laden noodling is underpinned by doom metal riffs and the lyrics are tense with paranoia. Drives Me On lightens the mood again with a tale of friendship before the aforementioned Lost My Job rounds off the first half of the album. With a memorable riff and funky freshness, it’s a highlight.
People In General kicks off the second half, full of punk swagger and seething with frustration. Title track Night Terrors is low down gritty blues rock with an uplifting lyrical message and a psychedelic finish. Known It All Along channels an uptight vibe and a Blood Sugar Sex Magic-era Red Hot Chili Pepper aesthetic then TeleVision is a long, meandering groove that encourages the listener to let it all go.
Wake Up Generation closes the album. Opening with a laidback bass rhythm, it leaves us with a sense of optimism. It boldly states: no matter how bad things have been, there’s hope to be found in a world in the hands of the youth. It’s another highlight.
The Fades are lighting up the blogosphere at the moment, and have been championed by influential DJs like Radio X’s John Kennedy, and the BBC’s Steve Lamacq and Marc Riley. It’s easy to see why with this well-constructed and relatable collection. I feel like Night Terrors might prove to be a launchpad for The Fades. Keep an eye out for their name.
Night Terrors is out now, released via Bark Like A Dog Records. You can listen to it below.
