Fairmont – “The Grand and Grandiose” review

The album opens with an instrumental, “The Dead Leaves of Autumn” and fades into a very interesting departure for this band which JB has been following for over a decade now, and yet who never ceases to surprise. “Alone You Stand” kicks off with a rockabilly-esque jam which expands into a new wavey dual vocal. While leadman Neil Sabatino has always waxed poetic about harmonizing, I cannot recall another instance in which the band has layered the entire way like this. Pixies fans will appreciate mood shifts within the piece as the softer melodies of second vocalist Samantha Carridori continue throughout.
Sam’s xylophone makes its first audible appearance on “Elephant.” It is an addition which Fairmont fans have grown as accustomed to as Christian Kisala’s neat piano and Andy Applegate’s gentle, symbol-laden gait. This album also rings in Andy’s triumphant return from hip surgery.

“Black Heart” incorporates a folky refrain with telephone line vocals and a larger wall of sound than I’ve heard from this band in a while. “The Sun Shines Only For Me” is a pretty little number which feels like the perfect interlude at track five for this ten-track album.
“White Light” highlights both Neil’s strum and Andy’s precise accents as it traverses through a dreamy vocal line. “Hallelujah” highlights Christian’s keys and carries along with a catchy bounce ala The White Stripes or Weezer.

“Misery” returns to the rockabilly flavor, but with a bit of a European folk slant and a dissonant chorus appropriate for its title. “Paper and Glue” is the clear sing-along standout of the album.

The album closes out with “We Brought This On Ourselves,” a gorgeous toe- tapper.
Of course, what would a Fairmont album be without wistfully cynical lyricism?
“You tried oh so hard to be everything than what you are” – Elephant
“Have you had too much to say? Well, that’s okay, no one cared anyway.” – Black Heart
“You are so very classless” – We Brought This On Ourselves

However, the hope is more evident than ever – perhaps due to the arrival of the latest Sabatino, Neil’s daughter.

That being said, this band has absolutely grown by leaps and bounds, and as great as it is to watch them tear shit up at places like Piano’s or Fontana’s, it would be even cooler to see what they could do from a larger club stage. Here’s hoping that that happens this album – it would be deserved.

www.fairmontmusic.com
www.mint400records.com