Fraser is a London based indie/folk-pop band created by frontman Fraser Gregory.

Born in Scotland and raised in Malta, Gregory gained a solid reputation from a young age by founding reknown Maltese export The Beangrowers (Rough Trade). Despite the band’s success and the future opportunities that followed, Gregory decided to explore different musical avenues and went on to perform as a solo artist in both Europe and the USA after parting ways with the band. During this time he encountered a series of life-changing awakenings, mishaps and tradegies that transformed his song-writing style to what it is today.

On returning from his international tours, and having made a significant musical impact on the population of Malta, Gregory decided to change direction yet again by moving to London, where he soon met likeminded musicians Stuart Davenport (lead guitar), Josh Bergson (bass) and Nick Winters (drums) and subsequently formed the band Fraser.

Fraser decided to recruit a team of the band’s favourite musical inspirations to help record their debut album ‘A Garden At The Top Of The Tree’. The album was produced by David Vella (Phillip Boa & The Voodoo Club) at Temple Studios, mixed by Luuk Cox and mastered at Metropolis Studios by Frank Archwright (Radiohead, Damien Rice, The Kooks).

After hitting the London gig circuit last summer, Fraser were quickly hand-picked from hundreds of bands to support Queen’s keyboardist Spike Edney and his All Star Band in December. Fraser’s catchy and upbeat ‘Lay It On The Line’ song was chosen to be the lead single from their debut album, particularly due to it’s encouraging response and feedback from the industry during the sold-out show. It was released on the 25th of January and has since gained decent support from Steve Lemacq, John Kennedy, Tom Robinson and Jim Gellatly amongst others.

The band’s debut album “A Garden At The Top Of The Tree” is due for release on the 15th of March 2010 via Moody Noodle Records, with further single releases coming later on in the year.

A GARDEN AT THE TOP OF THE TREE  was written over a three-year period and represents a reflection of the troubled times of a singer/songwriter trying to break through in a most difficult industry. It’s therefore a highly personal album which takes in love and loss, immortality, highs and lows, hopes and fears. Sonically, Fraser has opted for a very accessible pop-rock vibe which ’softens’ the pill, arguably rendering sometimes dark recollections a little too brightly…

‘Release Me’ opens this collection of songs in uptempo indie-rock style with pounding drum rhythm, massed keyboards and jangling guitar notes. Fraser’s voice is distant and ‘foggy’, while the strong melody and catchy choruses mark this song out as a potential single. ‘Find Love’ sustains the standard with a country-tinged and darker narrative. There’s another tangible melody and interesting instrumental moments, but Fraser’s voice lacks clarity and therefore lyrics are difficult to decipher; a production problem perhaps? ‘Lay It On The Line’ is slated as the first single due to its popularity with radio DJs, but frankly I find it one of the most uninteresting songs here, with only a powerful melody to redeem it.

‘Laughter (Everyday)’  is much more interesting song with its clever changes of pace, good lyrics and an ambience that effectively refelcts light and dark. The choruses and melody are powerful, but, once again, production is flawed making the vocal seem shrouded in a sonic fog. ‘Let It Rain’ goes back uptempo and effectively so before ‘Old Tree’ arrives to offer deep and compelling contemplation. ‘There Is A Forest’ has a retro, Beatles feel and is pleasant enough.

‘Bouboulina Sunshine’ is an upbeat acoustic track heavilly influenced by the Beatles and is another standout here. ‘Lie For Truth’ is a prime example of the sonic diversity on offer here and for the first time Fraser’s voice is audible as he sings in most expressive and sincere way. It’s the most moving song on the record and is driven by another powerful melody. Finally, ‘Always Only You’ is an adventurous, dark song with a variety of sonic effects, including fascinating percussive sounds, extended instrumental passages and a strong vocal performance.

My primary criticism here is the way the record has been produced and consequent problematic separation of vocal and instrumental sounds. I’m left wondering just how good this could be as an acoustic recording, where the voice is heard with far more clarity as it communicates moving and meaningful personal messages.

3.5/5
www.myspace.com/frasermusic
www.fraserband.com
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