Not for the first time it seems this year, we are offering a comparison for an emerging band to one of the UK’s finest aggressive rock bands Reuben. Sadly no more, though as so many we still have dreams of that to be reunited announcement, it seems the Surrey trio is inciting and influencing more and more new bands. Northern Wales alternative rock duo faltered is another appearing to reap those seeds for their own distinctive and adventurous idea. Consisting of brothers Daniel (guitars, vocals) and Conor Cahalane (drums, percussion, lead vocals), the band release their new mini-album Fortune Favours September 2nd, a collection of songs which challenge, tease, and at times disappoint, but all come with a depth of promise and imagination which leaves you recruited to and eager to watch their evolution and future creations.
Taking inspirations from the likes of Biffy Clyro, Muse, Hundred Reasons, Vex Red, Fightstar, of course Reuben and more, the pair from deciding to form a band took little time in moving forward by rehearsing, writing, and releasing their debut EP Victorian Post Mortem Photography last year. With its full of promise presence well received as also have been their live performances, a growing fan base was instigated as they began working on new songs which have emerged as Fortune Favours. It is a release which is guaranteed to grab attention, yes it has flaws, some loud in the ear, but there is never a moment that you want slip away quietly from its offering or lose focus.
Opening instrumental Leave It Out makes a potent entrance, crisp beats soon joined by a funk drenched dance of guitar and throaty 
bass before it is all intensified with a blaze of sinew driven energy and adventure. Courting the senses with its swagger the piece is a magnetic lure to the album and immediately shows the prowess and skill of faltered in creating imaginative and addictive sounds. It’s relatively gentle temptation is then pushed aside by the muscular Fortune Favours The Needy. Again drums lead in the charge with discord lit almost post punk like slashes of guitar and noise rock rapaciousness assaulting the ear. Instantly thoughts of Reuben make their call but the brothers then keep the listener off guard by slipping into a melodic alternative rock restraint which they swiftly shift between and entwine into a pleasing and intriguing emotive narrative. It makes for a strong and rewarding start to the album which has the appetite hungry for the next song.
Worth The Wait coaxes the ear with guitar before expelling a blaze of sonic and acidic might which again only reminds of the previously mention now demised band. With the guitars raising the temperature of the air and the rhythms caging song and thoughts in a provocative mesh, the track is an exciting and perpetually twisting persuasion expanding the already strong pleasure reaped so far.
The following Pulled Over emerges as an intensive emotive reflection which without reaching the heights of the previous songs inspires ear and imagination to embrace its temptation hungrily. Slow tender wraps of melodic caresses intermittently punctuated with hard strikes of rhythmic prodding and scything riffs make a full suasion which is lifted further when the song slips into a delicious reined in stomp which is ingenious and irresistible before subsequently unleashing another furnace of emotional and sonic intensity. Unfortunately for the track to temper its success there are moments where barely hinted at previously, the vocals go astray at times with their notes and quality. The continual changes and erupting fire of sound for the main prevents any real damage but it is a portent of things to come on the album.
Please Don’t Take This The Wrong Way makes a dramatic and stunning entrance to emphasise the rich talent in songwriting and sound the band has. The almost eighties like, think ABC, guitars are met hand in hand buy a glorious sax croon which takes mere seconds to spark the passions before merging with towering riffs and rhythms. Settling into smouldering intent and melodic warmth with invention and refined enterprise, the song musically paints a colour rich evocation though the vocals again strain against their limits a little. Another good romp of a stroll breaks out to energise things for the fiery finale which simultaneously thrills and deflates appreciation.
Its successor If This Is A Joke Then I’m Not Laughing is another strong moment on the album; caustic guitar swipes and cantankerous riffs initially scorching the senses before a jazzy breath creates another eager vaunt. Once more you think Reuben though as ever faltered twist it into their potent style. The song is an abrasive treat which leaps around with numerous turns and unpredictability but still at times those vocals rub the ear the wrong way, which is openly a problem in the closing Thanks A Million. A soft rock bred track with pressuring intensity giving it depth from the start, the song musically is another accomplished draw on the ear but vocally…well let us just say that the guys seem in a constant quarrel with their notes and the listener’s satisfaction. It is a shame as the song has like the others, the charm and persuasion to light the passions especially with the wonderful addition of strings.
It is hard to resist suggesting the band looks at bringing in a dedicated vocalist and concentrating on the music, which already they are making very impressive waves with. Despite that it has to be said Fortune Favours makes for an enjoyable encounter with some moments of massive quality and incredible promise, so much so that keeping a close eye on faltered is a definite.
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7/10
RingMaster 01/09/2013
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