Loose Fruit Museum

How do you put absolute perfection into words? How do you describe an album that sounds the way Thank God We’re Here does? How do you even begin to use mere words to articulate the way Loose Fruit Museum, otherwise known as LFM, has mastered the art of creating music that makes you dance and scream and cry at the same time? It may not be possible. The only way for you to understand it is by listening to this album yourself. Hailing from London, England, Loose Fruit Museum is comprised of Conal Cunningham on vocals and guitar, Ali Hakimi on lead guitar, Everton Allayne on bass and Tony Snagg on drums. This quartet of gentlemen has created a sound that is completely original and inspiring. Citing influences such as the Rolling Stones, The Clash, Sonic Youth and Led Zeppelin, LFM far surpasses any sort of category. LFM is the brainchild of this magnificent collaboration of extremely talented musicians and an extraordinary master at the controls to make their sound incredibly stellar.

LFM starts the album with “Amber,” which is an excellent introduction to this band. Rife with blues and rock that sounds like a cross between The Black Crowes and Rob Thomas, this track is full of rhythm and emotion and amazing vocals and instrumentation. To see this piece performed live would be an absolute honor. The guitar work is more than impressive, the sound is spectacular, and LFM has done more than captured the attention. LFM has hypnotized us with the opening track. We want more. There is no turning back now. The second track is “Better Man” and it has a bit of a punk vibe to it, reminiscent of The Clash. Conal’s vocals are spot on and the sound is once more way beyond anything on the airwaves today. He gives us a wide range of vocal talents in this one and it’s incredible to behold. The lyrics are desperate and call out to the classic outlaw rock’n’roll lifestyle, especially delivered in Conal’s distinct way. Excellent backing vocals and instrumentation make this the perfect piece of music and there is nothing that renders criticism here. “Happy” is a slower paced track about the “suit and ties” of life, and whether those suits and ties are actually happy. A rebellious song that is thought provoking and melodic, this will indeed be a fan favorite. LFM has touched a nerve here and people will listen, even the suit and tie people.

“Crows” is slightly rougher with regards to rhythm, but it is the most artistic track thus far and it is melodic in its own choppy way. “Hickiesville” is deceiving with its opening riffs and attitude, but don’t be too caught up in that. Conal does some serious screaming here, and this is when we come to not only like Loose Fruit Museum, but love them. The screaming vocals are melodic and fit perfectly with this mellow rhythm, and the echo effect is the perfect touch. Everton on bass, Ali on guitar and Tony on drums are perfect compliments to Conal’s exquisitely seductive voice. LFM keep getting better and better. “Full Leather Coat” has something of a Peter Murphy vibe to it and the rhythms are intricate. The tone is slightly dark, and the sound is absolutely impeccable with seemingly no flaws in the production. The sound is phenomenal. “Modern Man” has a bluesy feel and the vocal delivery can at times be reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, but only at parts. The rest is melodic and this song has attitude. The entire piece is extraordinarily well composed and Tony on drums does a terrific job (as does the rest of the band) making the change-ups smooth and flowing.

Thank God We’re Here continues on its ever impressive journey with “Settledown,” a faster tempo track done in the best LFM fashion. The guitar work is great, the lyrics are rebellious, and these guys have once more done what they do best: create a song that can barely be described by mere words. Conal really hits the vocals in this one and everything about this song is signature LFM all the way. “The Wire” is perhaps the best track on the album and should definitely be their first single. Fans will absolutely adore this heartfelt piece and Conal’s vocals are deep and seductive. This band sounds completely natural when they play their music in all of their songs, but in this particular piece the sense of respect and collaboration amongst them is evident.

“Questor” has a funky vibe to it and some of the best sounding instrumentation on the album yet. The production of this album is beyond perfect and that is made clear while listening to this track. Sound quality can occasionally get overlooked while making an album, which should never happen, and LFM has gone to great lengths to ensure that their sound is crystal clear, which listeners will appreciate. “Eye For An Eye” is a slower piece that allows the guys to really shine with regards to harmonizing and this band has obviously mastered the art of music. The backing vocals lend strength to Conal’s lead vocals and the instrumentation is excellent. LFM has no trouble going from a fast tempo to a slower one while still sounding natural and keeping the rhythm of the song cruising smoothly along.

The album closes with “Time,” a heavier piece that features Conal’s distinct voice really ripping it up. He really lets it fly, and then… Silence… But don’t be fooled. There is more to this piece. Be patient. At the three minute mark, LFM decides they aren’t done with us yet. They give us a great melody to end on and the album Thank God We’re Here closes with a bang. The gentlemen of Loose Fruit Museum are extremely talented musicians that have a deep understanding of music and the ability to create it almost by pure instinct. Nothing on this album sounds forced and LFM clearly have a good thing going on. The sound quality is beyond amazing and there is not a single point during the listening of this album that one is not enthralled and awed. Words can’t do it justice. Just listen to it.


Review by Rhonda Readence
Rating: 7 stars (out of 5)!!
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