Faker
The lights of the city come on one by one, forging their defences against the encroaching darkness. There's a killer on the loose tonight, but it's no werewolf - this time, what you fear is human. It might even be you.
To a band that studies the sinister side of human experience, the twilight, that moment of suspension between light and dark, holds endless fascination. Singer, songwriter, and founding member of Faker, Nathan Hudson admits that it's always been one of his nightmares. There comes a time when fears must be faced, sacrifices made, choices stated, hands forced. And for Hudson, that's what the band's latest record addresses. Be The Twilight is an aural revelation - and it's taking over Australia.
Faker is a band that knows how to make it happen. If any restraining influences were detectable on 2005's runaway success Addicted Romantic, they have vanished into the night on this, Faker's second full-length album. It's up-front, fierce, and in the moment, but without being studied or overly aggressive. It moves in that suspended light where possibilities seem to multiply. It's a startling achievement which Hudson credits to the closeness of the members.
Faker have learned that once their fears are faced, the possibilities are endless - which is why, perhaps, Be The Twilight comes across as such a decisive statement. For all its fascination with the dark side of the human psyche, this record has a maturity and cohesiveness that are rare in the hedonistic world of rock 'n' roll.
Be The Twilight is produced by Paul Fox, who has recorded such diverse bands as The Sugarcubes and They Might Be Giants. Hudson describes him as "a great equaliser" who facilitated the band's vision rather than imposing his own. Fox has captured the essence of the Faker live experience, which often teeters on the brink of chaos.
If the dark side has a good side, Be The Twilight is the soundtrack to finding it. Discover it at Southbound.