Foreign Affairs

Often folk bands run the risk of sounding a little simple, but Bristol three-piece Foreign Affairs escape this pitfall through using just about as many words-a-line as they can get away with in their latest release ‘Sell My Soul (I Tried)’. Think a folky, less cynical version, of early Arctic Monkeys or The Jam, who both also had a penchant for songs with lots of words. Compromising of brothers Adam and Lawrence Purnell, along with bassist Ben Sweeney, Foreign Affairs are set to release their debut album I within the foreseeable future. In the run up to this date, the band have been releasing a series of EPs, the most recent of which features ‘Sell My Soul (I Tried)’.

By moving away from the banjo, and relying instead on bass and electric guitars, Foreign Affairs distance themselves from that Mumford & Sons take on folk-rock with this track. A wise move, as the last thing this country needs is another Mumford tribute band. By putting a fresh spin on the genre, the trio manage to produce a track that sounds distinctly 21st century, while still maintaining all the traditional elements that make it undeniably folk. The trio haven’t been light with melody either and, from the chorus to the bridge, the song is packed with hooks.

With a string of festival dates set for the summer, it seems likely that you’ll spot their name on a festival bill near you. With their infectious songs, and an innovative take on an established genre, be sure to give them a listen. - Gig Slutz

It was on the 10th January at The Fleece that we first met Bristol folk/rock trio Foreign Affairs; brothers Adam, Lawrence Purnell and bassist Ben Sweeney hugely impressed us that evening with their energetic performance. The band’s unique blend of English Folk, Americana and Modern Pop packed the punch with their irresistibly catchy melodies and soon after we exchanged details and kept in touch.
Over the months we worked with the guys, learning more about their music and goals; they performed for us at our Easter Showcase in April as well as exclusively streaming their debut single Sell My Soul (I Tried) via our website. Fast forward to today and the band are on a verge of success as they are full swing into the largest festival summer tour – from live radio performances on BBC Radio 2, Glastonbury FM and BBC Radio Bristol to festival shows at Livestock, South West 7s and Glastonbury Festival. Tonight at the Louisiana was Foreign Affairs’s first ever headline show, bringing everything together into this one off special event as the trio present their debut EP The First.
With the band’s every growing fan base, it comes to no surprise of the turnout tonight; a full house mixed with family, friends, music lovers and new fans, all ready to witness a show to remember. Adam, Lawrence and Ben walk into the room with videographers behind them documenting every moment. Up they go on stage, everyone excited and cheering for what was going to be a special performance.
Opening their hour and half set with We Don’t Know, a thumping introduction to the trio’s fiery sound. Adam strums on electric guitar, cool slick strings from Ben and Lawrence distinctive vocals; all three in complete unison and in sync with their harmonies. Soulfully driven, melodic and rhythmic patterns as people cheered, danced and foot stomped to the music. Johnny Marr guitar pieces and often at times the deep bass-baritone tones of Johnny Cash; Lawrence thoroughly engaging with the crowd, words of wit, charm and honesty, echoing Cash’s humbling demeanour. Dead To You with it’s slightly revamped intro, more upbeat and catchier than before. Majestic, powerful and with a roar, Foreign Affairs weren’t holding anything back in this thrilling performance.
From the incredibly rhythmic and rock explosive Headshaker, to the emotional You Said To Me, dedicated to Adam and Lawrence’s mother who has been an inspiration to them and huge support behind their music. There were also stories thrown in mid set, Adam recalls remembering their first show at the Louisiana performing to just 15 people and now they’re here tonight performing to a sold out audience; indicating how much they have grown over the last couple of years. Ben also mentions that this show was their third in two days, further emphasising the band’s incredibly busy schedule whilst Lawrence thanks the audience for their attendance; humbling and heartwarming atmosphere as you can sense the proudness from everyone for the three talented musicians.
Closing the show with the rock juggernaut that was Piece of Work, grinding electric riffs, soaring vocals and melodic rhythms that shook your entire body. A roaring encore for one more song lead the trio to do an acoustic cover of their anthemic hit Sell My Soul (I Tried), played earlier in their set with such praise this encore was the crux of the show, bring everything we all know and love about Foreign Affairs into one precise moment. Gathered in the middle of the audience, the band strummed their guitars as we all sang every word to the song; camera phones and lights in the air as if it were a mini stadium performance, both mesmerising and intimate. A rapturing ovation soon followed which signalled the night a massive success. Straight downstairs and people gathered in numbers for their signed copy of the EP; Adam, Lawrence and Ben all signing autographs as if they were famous stars, it was a fitting end to an incredible show.
Foreign Affairs have certainly come a long way since we first met them at the start of the year and arguably this was indeed their biggest moment with the debut EP and incredible hometown performance. The band are ambitious, motivated and have a dream to succeed in this industry. “In a year or so you may see us perform at Wembley Stadium” mentions Lawrence and why not, it’s certainly written in the stars for them as the trio have all the right qualities to be a huge success. - The Flux Magazine

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month and to coincide with this year’s campaign, Bristol’s indie folk-rock three-piece Foreign Affairs have released a new song titled You Said To Me, available to buy now on iTunes. All proceedings from the release will go to the Breast Cancer Care Charity.
Talking about the song, singer Lawrence Purnell explains, “Our Mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer four years ago, the song was written by my brother and I at the time, our Mum thankfully made a full recovery and therefore the song is one of a success story and hope. We have been playing the song live over the last year, it has been played all over the world and at some of the biggest festivals and the reaction is always one that far exceeds what we could have ever imagined when writing it.”
A song that’s close to their hearts, You Said To Me combines songwriting prowess, delicate guitar arrangements and thrilling harmonies, resulting in a piece that’s beautifully powerful. The song has also been backed by Breast Cancer Care and is being used as part of their nationwide Ad Campaign. - The Flux Presents