Album Review: Fear Like Us - 'Fear Like Us'

Playing a stripped back brand

of acoustic punk (and yes, the term folk is applicable here), FearLike Us have crafted some of the most heartfelt and memorable songs

that I’ve heard in a long time, once again proving that a passionate

performance and a belief in what you’re doing is enough to write a

great tune. 

The first thing of note is

the raw production style which is courtesy of the fine people over at

The Arthouse, and although it’s not as intense as a Fear Like Us live performance it’s far more enjoyable than a large number of the

over produced and studio polished shit that’s out there at the moment.

Apart from having a great name, “Scars Are Tattoos With Better Stories”

was a fantastic choice to start the record off. Jamie’s rough

vocal style perfectly compliments the remainder of the track and the

additional harmonies further strengthen an already impressive song. 

While it’s clear that Against Me have had a rather large creative impact on Fear Like

Us, the banjo driven “Hungerpains” is far from being a carbon

copy of the Florida based group, but rather a fine example of what a

band can accomplish when they combine their influences with their own

unique approach to song writing.  

I suggest you have a read of

the lyric sheet before you listen to “She’ll Be Right”… good

lyrics combined with a cool riff (and a harmonica just for good measure)

are always going to be a winner in my book. With its mid paced tempo,

sparse guitar work and a driving banjo, “Streets Of Mexico” is a

song which made its way into my memory bank within thirty seconds of

hearing it and “Neo (Deceptor) Cons” isn’t far behind! 

Choosing a standout track on

an album as solid as this was always going to be hard, but there’s

something about “Music & Movement” which makes you want to pack

your belongings, grab your mates and hit the road. The guitars, the

lyrics and the overall vibe of the song just has a certain something

about it and I for one, cannot wait to sing a long with the band next

time I see them. “Olds Gods And New Tricks” takes things down a

notch but that doesn’t last long as “Song Of Rattling Keys” is

destined to be played to sweaty fans in small rooms across the country.

I think the following lyric sums the song up nicely: 

Fear Like Us is one

Australian band who deserves your attention. If you’re a fan of any

of the artists mentioned in the record’s foreword then you need to

hear this record. It’s as simple as that.

1. Scars Are Tattoos

   With Better Stories

2. Hunger Pains
3. She’ll Be Right!
4. Streets Of Mexico
5. Neo (Deceptor) Cons
6. When We Close Our

   Eyes To Cross Streets

7. Musi