The Fratellis’ Jon Fratelli talks to us about their newer sound, best parts of touring the UK and more

Posted on 7 February 2018
By Chelsea Connor
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Indie powerhouse, The Fratellis, are back this year with their anticipated album, ‘In Your Own Sweet Time’.

The Scottish trio also embark on a UK tour set to kick off this March, starting things of at the Liverpool Olympia, on the 23rd. We caught up with lead singer and guitarist, Jon Fratelli, who told us his feelings on the new material, and what it’s like to play live around the country.

This is about to be a busy year for The Fratellis – something that doesn’t surprise you as soon as you listen to their new song ‘Stand Up Tragedy.’ Still keeping in touch with their rock roots, this new release is impossible not to dance to, complete with a tantalising feel-good hook and wit-filled, tongue- in-cheek lyrics that have become synonymous with the band.

‘The Next Time We Wed’, gushes an electronic feel that mixes effortlessly with their signature indie sound. With possibly the catchiest chorus of the year, this song is meant for massive things and deserves to be the summer anthem of the year.

This album breeds a new sound for the band, while still being recognisable as The Fratellis, it’s clear they’ve taken a stronger, bolder chance with their music that is paying off, with a conscious maturing but with also somehow incorporating even more fun and dance into their songs, something that the band are proud of.

‘The thing about this record is that we’ve gotten closer to producing the type of music we would want to listen to. There’s nothing on this album that I don’t really, really enjoy.’ Jon told us.

As with previous albums such as the iconic Costello Music, the band decided to team up with six time Grammy winner and Mercury Nominee Producer, Tony Hoffer. (Beck, The Kooks, Belle & Sebastian) which seems to be a match made in heaven for the boys.

‘He is the perfect guy for us. It really couldn’t be more of a pleasure to work with him. He’s far cleverer than us, and as much we I love to write songs it’s nice to have someone who knows what they’re doing come in and take charge, and give their input on what else it might need.’

The centre of the Fratellis world seems to be filled with a constant need to perform live to their fans, and have expressed their love of touring the UK. As their loyal fans from Liverpool can’t wait for their return, it seems the feeling is mutual.

‘We always look forward to playing Liverpool. There’s something about the UK, the more North you go, the louder it gets. It’s great! We feed off energy and it feels a little bit like home.’

‘Everywhere you go in the UK it’s great for enthusiasm, we can only do so much, and the crowds always help us really get that energy and buzz going. We do always put the same amount of effort into every show we play, we always make sure of that.’

5/5. Best album the band has done. Hands down. Give ‘The Next Time We Wed’ a listen and you’ll get it.

TOUR DATES
22nd March – Liverpool Olympia
23rd March – Manchester Academy
24th March – London O2 Forum Kentish Town
26th March – Nottingham Rock City
27th March – Birmingham O2 Institute
29th March – Bristol O2 Academy
30th March – Newcastle O2 Academy
31st March – Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom

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