It's kind of ironic that Fat Freddy's Drop recorded Blackbird in their own Lyall Bay studio which, in a former life, was a recording pressing plant and a church. Ironic because I reckon we can call their performances almost a religious experience.
Blackbird is Fat Freddy's third full-length album, andthey have raised the bar yet again. There's a lot of emotion in the lyrics and their delivery. The title track is notable for many reasons, especially the trombone licks of Joe Lindsay, and gets the album under way, one of three tracks recorded in what the guys refer to affectionately as The Kitchen. One way or the other, Blackbird, Russia and Never Moving demonstrate that there was some rather soulful cooking going on at these sessions.
One of the factors I believe has worked in Fat Freddy's favour with the songs on Blackbird is the fact they have been a long time brewing. They've had time to refine them and that's evident in the quality of all the material. Bones and Soldier and especially Mother Mother are testament to developing a unique feel in instrumental terms, while bringing passion and meaning to the lyrics. Meantime, there's nothing stopping you getting into the soul funk groove with Blackbird. Enjoy.
