With an influence list as long as you like, Regional Theatre could have been in danger of overcomplicating an already varied sound – however, the band manage to walk that very thin line between convolution and innovation expertly. Following the drive to keep things fresh, The Fierce & The Dead offer up an album that manages to go way beyond the band’s seemingly limitless reach for influence and inspiration.
In a modern world of unending connection and potential interactions, Regional Theatre delves into the paradoxical nature of the extra barriers this new-world connectivity brings. Wielding insightful lyricism together with musical talents that could rival the Prog greats, The Fierce & The Dead create an incredibly atmospheric soundscape which manages to capture the feel of their thematic objectives beautifully.
“The Fierce & The Dead at full pelt tugging on all the emotional strings.”
Photo Credit:
Showcasing extreme instrumental abilities, The Fierce & The Dead offer up wonderfully satisfying guitar riffs, absurdly technical drumming and basslines that pull it all together wonderfully. Alongside, the band displays massive layers of ethereal vocal melodies that are sure to please any fans of scene legends such as Porcupine Tree. While it could be said that parts of the record are wanting for a little more power in the vocal department, the stylistic choice does lend itself to the character of the sound on show in this album. However, it does feel as though some fuller belts in climactic moments from lead vocalist Kevin Feazey could elevate this album to even loftier heights.
The closing track ‘Signal Bleed’ is a particularly excellent highlight in the album as the band let their atmospheric capabilities off the leash. Free from the potential limits of moderation and corniness due to the climactic nature of an album closer, ‘Signal Bleed’ is The Fierce & The Dead at full pelt tugging on all the emotional strings.
Ultimately, Regional Theatre is a superbly crafted piece of art that acts as a showcase for both the sheer creativity of The Fierce & The Dead, as well as the power of innovation in these progressive genres. Supporting the release with a series of autumnal tour dates across the UK, The Fierce & The Dead expertly remind us of why they’re such a beloved gem in the world of underground music – and put themselves in an excellent position to propel themselves onwards.