MP3: Francis – “Traktor”
In the current music climate and globalized world it’s often hard to hear where a band comes from, as many of the so-called scenes are now digital and their members scattered all over the world. Because of this it is always refreshing when there is a distinct regional feel to a band and Francis is one such band. The indie rock quartet hails from the province Dalarna in central Sweden, and on their new EP This Must Be Blood the regional feel is there for everyone to hear.
On This Must Be Blood, as on their debut record Lekomberg, We Were Kin from last year, there is a sense of loneliness and beauty, of strength and delicacy, throughout the album. This is something they share with both The Tallest Man on Earth and Idiot Wind, who both come from the same region.
While the songs on Lekomberg were already old when released the band chose another approach for This Must Be Blood as much of the songwriting took place during the recording. The new approach lends a whole other level of immediacy and urgency, which together with the band’s move from the more folk-y leanings of Lekomberg creates a confident indie pop sound which is both delicate and catchy at the same time. The sound is just as distinctly Francis’ own as earlier though, with vocalist Petra Mases bittersweet vocals being the main draw. While the vocals may be what draws you in, Mases is backed by and excellent set of musicians, and the band manage to walk the fine line of creating a bigger sound while still retaining intimacy.
Musically it is hard to find any faults on the EP as all five songs are excellently written and performed, and the biggest drawback is that it is over far too quick. Francis show that they’re capable of both catchy and confident tracks such as “Traktor” – with indie radio potential – as well as more melancholic moments as “By This Dirty Old View,” while retaining their signature emotional depth and professional execution. Look out for Francis’ next full-length, it’s bound to be getting a lot of attention – and for all the right reasons.
