After the release of the previous ‘Scars & Stories’, expectations were high for ‘Helios’, the fourth studio release from The Fray, and rightly so.
Album opener ‘Hold My Hands’ sort of takes on the familiar alternative sound of ‘You Found Me’ – distinctive yet strangely comforting.
The album as whole has a whole host of genres and blends swept up in it’s 11 track duration. It stretches from the mellow rock sound we’re used to, to a 90’s rock vibe, and right down a timid, hideaway layer. It holds an admirable diversity, proving The Fray are capable of keeping their niche alive, but alongside so much more.
Single ‘Love Don’t Lie’ does the album no justice in my opinion. It was only recently I discovered what make The Fray special. I mean, let’s be honest, they don’t do anything outstanding. They don’t take things outside the box. What they do is simple. But they do it so unbelievably well.
Tracks like ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Our Last Days’ are what make this album an absolute belter. Tracks that sit well under any circumstance. Relatively upbeat, while not losing a lyrical quality The Fray seem to fire out time and time again.
Stand out tracks would have to be the emotive ‘Break Your Plans’, the earthy ‘Shadow And A Dancer’ and the closing ‘Same As You’. Essentially, the second half of the album is where the definitive punch is.
A solid album of such a massive mix of clever transitions. The Fray have still got it.