Album Review: It Doesn’t Make Sense

Northland six piece Farandicus have released their debut album It Doesn’t Make Sense. Launching on the 27th of November, the twelve track album is a funk infused, soulful collection of songs.

Farandicus are vocalist Nicola Probert, guitarist Rhys Farrand, bass guitarist Matthew Shepherd, drummer Ben Michelsen, keyboardist Andrew Easterbrook and backing vocalist Sharmel Cook. The band members have combined their various musical influences and backgrounds to form Farandicus – a fusion of funk, soul and groove.

It Doesn’t Make Sense is a mixture of upbeat, funky tracks (Throwaway Youth and What To Give) and down tempo ballads (Come Cry To Me and CSM). Interesting instrumental arrangements keep the listener on their toes, but one thing remains constant and that is vocalist Probert’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful, sassy vocals. Combined with the slick instrumentalists and Cook’s backing vocals which blend seamlessly with Probert’s, It Doesn’t Make Sense is fresh sounding and clean.

The album kicks off with Shame On You and immediately it’s clear this track is a real crowd pleaser. With groovy guitar licks, perfectly accompanied by a silky bass line and vocals that ooze sass, this track is the best way to introduce this band to listeners. With a rap in the bridge from MC Blaksawd, the song is sure to get listeners on their feet and is the stand out track on the album.

Other highlights include thought provoking Crosses with its complex instrumental arrangements and Fear of Missing Out, a slower paced track, but still sprinkled with plenty of attitude, eventually building to a gritty outro.

The album concludes with toe-tapping, feel-good Gospel Mouth, the perfect ending to the album. It Doesn’t Make Sense has something for everyone, and should become the sound track to your next BBQ this summer.