The Fratellis - Eyes Wide Tongue Tied The Fratellis

The Fratellis critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied, is now available for the first time on limited sunburst vinyl.

After the release of 2013’s ‘We Need Medicine’, the band spent a year touring the world. At the tail end of 2014, they decamped to LA to work on album number four with Tony Hoffer (M83, Depeche Mode and Belle & Sebastian), who also produced their first album smash ‘Costello Music’.

That unique, bright clarity of California sunshine seems to permeate the record and the band channelled it to create an album that represents what they do best. At the heart of ‘Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied’ there’s a fun, energetic soul reminiscent of their 2006 debut. With recognisable nods to 70s Cali-rock, rockabilly and glorious hints of Americana and country layered high, it’s a glorious homecoming with roots in both Scotland and LA.

Littered with standout tracks: the foot-stomping ‘Baby Don’t You Lie To Me!’, the spiralling riffs of ‘Getting Surreal’ and ‘Thief ’, all big choruses and live crowd pleasers. ‘Dogtown’ parades along with its strident brass section and funk-driven bass line it’s early seventies Stevie Wonder covering The Beatles’ ‘Come Together’. While the delicate, drifting layers of ‘Moonshine’ bring us to a reflective, poised ending.