Track 1 - Moves You

I’ll start off with the fact that I have probably heard every single iteration of this song since its inception, from bedroom demos, to practice jams, to rough demos, to live performances and to what is now, a fully finished POP! Hit. ‘Moves you’ is the truth, the whole truth, nothing but. ‘Moves you’ has become an anthem for Fatale’s ever-growing fanbase amongst the central belt of Scotland, and quite frankly, the song is itching to be exploded through the ears of the rest of the world’s population… NEY the universe’s population – ‘Moves You’ contains sounds that only aliens can hear, meaning we might get a visit from the cosmic bastards once this song is released. That is to say, on the behalf of fatale, those that pre-ordered this EP and the subsequent outer space visitors this song will attract to planet earth, you are welcome, may your ears be blessed and your heart feel glee that Fatale have decided to grace this song upon thee. 

I’ll let everyone reading this into a little secret, Christopher Jollie - the man I label as the songwriter of my generation – really likes Teenage Fanclub. No, seriously, like REALLY likes Teenage Fanclub, and for the record I do too. My reasoning for mentioning this is because I see ‘Moves You’ as being reminiscent of the supercool sonically inclined individuals’ favourite releases by Teenage Fanclub such as ‘A Catholic Education’ and ‘Deep Fried Fanclub’. I would argue that this song shows this, and in fact I hope that someone has listened to moves you and thought, “wow this song is being performed by the band of my generation, written by the songwriter of my generation, it sounds like early Teenage Fanclub and its fucking fantastic!”. For the record that previous dialogue is probably the easiest thing I have ever written, not least due to the fact that they words spin round my brain every time I listen to the song. 

Racing guitars, pounding drums, a persuasive voice and industrial bass bind as one, to create the Fatale crowds’ longtime live favourite into – as previously mentioned – a finalised, definitive POP! Hit. Be in the know, rejoice in the groove, let Fatale move you. It’s only fair. 

Track 2 - Winged Horse

Well wasn’t that last track just superb? I will now be leading you through my thoughts on ‘Winged Horse’. I am fizzing with excitement for everyone to listen to this track. This is mostly due to it becoming my favourite track on the EP after listening to it back to front. Forwards and backwards, round and round, and any other literary contradictions used to express to you good people that I have listened to the EP a lot.

Now if you’re well versed in the history of the globally adored city of Glasgow, you will have gathered that references to ‘tenements and cemeteries’ can only point to one part of the city – the east end. The competitive and well versed amongst you all will be gladdened to hear the lyrics, “The east side of my mind”, being sung with twenty year old vim by Ben the frontman vocalist sungod Robertson following the first verse. It – to me anyway – confirms that this is a song written with this part of the city in mind. It’s clever in two aspects, firstly the east side would correlate with the right side of the brain, the emotional, creative side – which has been confirmed to me by a simple google search – which feels true to tone when taking into consideration that the chorus is probably emotional – I HAVE listened to the song I just feel uneasy about making assumptions, as my father tells me often don’t make ASSumptions because you’ll make an ASS of yourself. Secondly the title of the EP – ‘Saint Mungo’ – is a reference to the founder, and patron saint of Glasgow. In which the place of his burial – Glasgow Cathedral – is located in the east end of Glasgow. Some truly superb linking abilities by Fatale!

The east end of the city is also where Fatale spends most of their time, in their favourite venue and watering hole McChuills. There has been one too many nights there when we – drinking collaborators of Fatale – have been so far gone. Oh well, the man don’t give a fuck, live and let die.

Fatale roolz, ok.

Track 3 - Another Sunrise

Halfway through, it feels shorter though, as the old adage goes time goes fast when you’re having fun. If anyone was anyone was looking for my omniscient opinion on this phrase then I can confirm it as true, owing to the fact that 22 years round the sun have gone by in a flash for this fun seeking indie crazed fanatic. My knack for fun seeking leads me rather smoothly onto the next song I will be loosely reviewing - more rambling on about - “Another sunrise”.

The most memorable part for me is the chorus, “I’m going out tonight!”. Ever since I was lucky enough to hear this truly remarkable song, the chorus rattles through my skull when, well… going out... and When I’m going out of course, I am always looking to have as much fun as possible, and the egotist in me believes that I have around a 99.999999% success rate, although if my nights out were to be analysed by an analyst that specialised in fun rates I’m sure the number would be more comparable to 98%. as I write this, I am realising that every time I have ended up at an afters till the paperboys finish their round and once again seeing ‘Another Sunrise’ – clever, I know - this provides a stamp of authentication on the idea of time going by quickly when you’re having fun.

Personal Napalm Cufflinks adventures aside, ‘Another Sunrise’ also provides this phrase with a stamp of authentication, although I do think the last paragraph was evidence enough. The song is loud, catchy, FUCKING SUPERB and only three minutes and a bit long and feels only half that? Why oh Why Fatale? Not to worry, I’m going to make an assumption - for those that read my last piece I have changed my mind on assumptions, in the writing game dogmatism is a slippery slope. Firstly, it is agreed upon by essentially everyone in all walks of life to leave the people wanting more – whether that’s in a song, a series, a conversation or if you’re an employer, wages to your employees – and secondly, it’s hardly their fault they are such an exciting band that can make three minutes feel like nothing.

Such is life eh, all fatale fans are sentenced to a life of wanting infinitely more from five boys from Lanarkshire – its cruel really.

Anyway, here is a made-up quote from the guys… “Our fans wanted the world from us, and all we could give them was Saint Mungo… for now!”.

Track 4 - Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, Fatale would really be as well turning into a Christian rock band, but alas they are sentenced to 70 years of barbed wire pop penal servitude… much to the excitement of all of us Fatale fans. In noticing that there are a multitude of religious references in this EP i do wonder what the significance of this is. I doubt it’s on accident, if there’s one thing I know about Christopher Jollie, he does nothing by accident – ask me more about this I have an array of stories that are part truth, mostly cufflinks fiction, but extremely funny.

I remember hearing ‘Jesus Christ’ for the first time at eh ahhhh… fuck knows probably one of their Mcchuills gigs and instantly thinking that if the stars are to align, and the sea is to part that this would be the song that catapulted Fatale into the sonic stratosphere, and ultimately win these five star children fame and fortune. Anyway, ‘Jesus Christ’ has now become a stalwart in Fatale’s set, in which it could rival ‘Moves You’ for the Fatallion’s live favourite. However, in this case I don’t like to see Mum and Dad argue so my personal view on this made-up matter is I love both, and will give equal shimmying, grooving and a-moving to each, and that Fatale, is my promise to you. Amen?...

The Final mix that appears on this EP is extremely pleasant on the ears, it starts heavy, continues to be heavy, and ends heavy. This essentially is all I want from a Fatale tune, and it ultimately makes sense why this song is being moshed to whenever Fatale most gracefully choose to slot it into their always boisterous set. I can’t pretend to know what “Jesus Christ knocks on my door” means, at first I thought death then I thought perhaps Fatale have a seriously skewed view of the good people over at Royal Mail and link their work to the works of Jesus Christ. I’ll go with the second option; I also believe wholeheartedly in the holy importance of the Royal Mail.

I was thinking of taking one of Jesus’ quotes and putting my own spin on it to end this piece, I have now decided that this would probably constitute blasphemy, and I’m no believer, but I’m not out of my mind and Instead I will end this with one word repeated.

Magna Magna Magna (loud loud loud).

Track 5 - Saint Mungo

Please mind the gap when leaving this train, for we have now arrived at the station where this train will terminate, Saint Mungo. Although we are not on a train, we are on the interweb, and the station represents Fatales last song on this EP… ‘Saint Mungo’. Anyway, let’s see what I can muster about this track, performed wonderfully by Fatale members, each with beautiful, LONG hair.

‘Saint Mungo’ simply poetic pop hit that shows Fatale at their romantic best. I could only dream of blasting this song out by the tide on a hot summer day, welcoming in yet another sunrise. If you know, you know. It’s a truly beautiful song, making guesses on its meaning lead me to believe that it is about love - played out slightly, but the song is beautiful. Love is all around us and let’s watch it grow. Or is it perhaps about a failed love? very smart Fatale, very very smart.

As you have probably guessed through my last reviews, I am not overly concerned about analysing the song’s meaning, nor the melody. I am simply concerned with what this song makes me feel. Easy question, it makes me feel massively proud of five Lanarkshire gentlemen that have aimed fire on the bleak landscape of music as we know it presently.

Join with me Fatale fans in a globally known Napalm Cufflinks prayer:

Come forth star children with a dream, bless thee with the talents that have been bestowed upon you by your ancestors. Thank you to Bounse management for recognising the talent of Fatale. And to Fatale… you are my sonic soldiers, and I want to dip each of you into my musical egg.