Faces In The Street is a new Melbourne-based Folk duo who are originally born of the acoustic act The Keynes Brothers. Their debut LP ‘Bring Back Tomorrow’ – out March 21 – marks their transition from acoustic origins to a more progressive Indie Folk genre.
Founded by John Fraser (vocals/guitar) and Rowan Cole (vocals/mandolin/guitar/mandola), the Keynes Brothers drew inspiration from folk, rock, and country blues. Fraser and Cole have co-written an extensive catalogue of songs exploring life’s challenges, the human condition and the power of hope and perseverance.
Faces in the Street is the natural evolution of a band that remains focused on storytelling and vocal harmonies within an evocative soundscape of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The band name was taken from Henry Lawson’s poem of the same name.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with Faces in the Street’s John Fraser and Rowan Cole over a zoom call to chat about the creation of their debut album ‘Bring Back Tomorrow’
MORE ABOUT FACES IN THE STREET
‘Bring Back Tomorrow’ provides a window into the past decades’ life journeys and observations of songwriters John Fraser and Rowan Cole. The album was produced by Cameron McKenzie and recorded at Station Place Studios, Glenhuntly Victoria; except for ‘Old to New’ which was engineered by Craig Newman and recorded at Dewey Studios, Moorabbin Victoria.
‘Bring Back Tomorrow’ highlights the impacts of socio-political change viewed through a personal, reflective lens. The songs provide insights, hope, and optimism in challenging times. The album opener ‘It’s Not Me’ is a breezy acoustic song exploring the effects of group think on an unsuspecting community, and features the bass and cello from Cameron McKenzie. The title track up next follows a similar theme; the protagonist lamenting the dangers of echo chambers – this time captured in a fast-paced folky style.
‘Hope’ is a more personal song, a beautifully crafted and evocative story of relationships and the impact of time, while ‘Lifters and Leaners’ is a thoughtful portrayal of the horrors of neoliberalism and how it can leave people behind.
‘Time Machine’ – set to a resonant mariachi beat, is about the power of music to evoke strong memories and help overcome the challenges that all people face, while ‘Hope You’re Ok’ is a lilting consideration of the challenge of modern relationships.
The suffering of ordinary people during the global financial crisis is the subject of the next track; ‘House Falling Down’. ‘It’s For Free’ with its country swing rhythm – is a tale of how fear can imprison hearts, and how human relationships can be reduced to the status of transactions.
The final two tracks ‘Old To New’ – a mournful insight into climate grief, and ‘Together’ – a stark commentary on neoliberalism, set to an acoustic soundscape of light and dark colours – are both a call to action in dangerous times. ‘Bring Back Tomorrow’ indeed.
‘Bring Back Tomorrow’ – available in CD and digital – will be independently released Friday, March 21 and available on Bandcamp.
ALBUM CREDITS
All songs written by John Fraser & Rowan Cole.
Produced by Cameron McKenzie and recorded at Station Place Studios, Glenhuntly Victoria; except for Old to New which was engineered by Craig Newman and recorded at Dewey Studios, Moorabbin Victoria.
ALBUM PERSONNEL
Vocals: J Fraser, R Cole
Vocals: C Rutten – tracks 3 and 10.
Mandolin: R Cole
Guitar: J Fraser – all tracks
Guitar: R Cole – tracks 5, 8 and 9
Bass: C McKenzie – tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8.
Cello: C McKenzie – tracks 1, 3, and 10.