Fa Sol La
Fa Sol La is the third studio EP from the American rock band Those Mockingbirds.
| Fa Sol La | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| EP by | ||||
| Released | 13 September 2011 | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock | |||
| Length | 17:24 | |||
| Label | Self-released | |||
| Those Mockingbirds chronology | ||||
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Content
The six-track EP was released on 12"-vinyl and as a free digital download, on 13 September 2011.[1] The limited edition vinyl issue, which was pressed by United Record Pressing in Nashville, Tennessee, includes a full-color, double sided, hand-numbered insert, an 11" x 17" signed band poster, a handmade keychain by Tory Daines, a 2" x 3" sticker, and a digital download card for an alternate unreleased version of the song "Coast to Coast."[2] Fa Sol La contains two instrumental tracks, and draws comparison to the music of Smashing Pumpkins, and Arcade Fire.[3] The song "The Difference Between Love and Addiction" was almost included on the EP, but instead was released as a stand-alone single, on 24 April 2012.[4]
Reception
A review of the EP by The Aquarian Weekly says the "darker yet still hooky sound [and] edgier take on composition in Fa Sol La [...] have a melancholic feel to them." They note the song "Coast to Coast" "explosive [with] catchy, angst-filled lyrics over the closest thing to pop you'll get from this record[,] in contrast to the fiery "Don't Stray" is fairly somber with a slick, bluesy guitar solo." The review closes with saying Fa Sol La got "a rise out of me like an energy drink despite its murky feel. I have a feeling that this release won't get old. Kudos to you, Those Mockingbirds.[3] The Deli describes "Mountain Slang I" begins with "gentle waves of sound then segues into crashing guitars" on "Coast to Coast." They describe "Don't Stray" as "folksy and balladic," "The Bloodiest Gums" as "polka-esque," "We're Animals" as "visceral," and end with noting Fa Sol La "comes full circle with [the] serene instrumental track, "Mountain Slang II.""[5]
Jim Testa in The Jersey Journal writes Those Mockingbirds' EP offers "strong melodies and vocal harmonies, and the grace of Tory Daines' contributions on violin and keyboards [...] on slower, softer songs like romantic "Don’t Stray" or the eerie "The Bloodiest Gums" make[s] the most of their folk/rock influences. Lead singer/guitarist Adam Bird's powerful vocals that tend to be the focal point here, which range from supple and seductive to bold and blaring depending on the mood of the song."[6] He includes the album in his list of Honorable Mentions in the Top Pick's of 2012.[7]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mountain Slang I" | 1:26 |
| 2. | "Coast to Coast" | 3:54 |
| 3. | "Don't Stray" | 3:57 |
| 4. | "The Bloodiest Gums" | 1:51 |
| 5. | "We're Animals" | 4:14 |
| 6. | "Mountain Slang II" | 2:02 |
| Total length: | 17:24 | |
Personnel
- Adam Bird – vocals and guitar
- Tory Anne Daines – vocals, keys and violin
- Jonathan Gianino – guitar
- Rob Fitzgerald – bass and vocals
- Kevin Walters – drums and vocals
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- Bruttomesso, Meijin (8 March 2012), "Rockin' NYC: Those Mockingbirds", The Deli, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Fox New Staff (13 September 2011), "Rock Band Those Mockingbirds Releases EP 'Fa Sol La'", Fox News, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Kundrath, Jason (1 February 2012), "Shipwrecked At The Shore Interview Series: Those Mockingbirds", The Pop Break, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Smith, Roz (21 September 2012), "Those Mockingbirds: Fa Sol La", The Aquarian Weekly, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Star Beat Staff (2012), "Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' 12" EP Deluxe Package", Star Beat Music, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Testa, Jim (9 September 2011), "Those Mockingbirds, Waking Lights spearhead Jersey's folk/rock revival", The Jersey Journal, retrieved 29 March 2019
- Testa, Jim (2013), "Top Picks of 2012", Jersey Beat, retrieved 29 March 2019