London-based duo Franc Moody are back with a new slice of timeless indie-funk in the form of their third album Chewing The Fat. The project is spearheaded by Ned Franc and John Moody, who set out to break new sonic ground with this latest record. The duo have revealed that with the release, they intend to ‘take away the disco sheen and have a more raw and gutteral approach to the music.’
The opening track, “Driving On The Wrong Side of the Road,” takes you on an Alice in Wonderland journey as you tumble down the rabbit hole into the world of Franc Moody. You are welcomed by dreamy strings, followed by a brief shift into a darker mood, and ultimately blossoming into a soundscape drenched in psychedelia.
“The Space Between Us,” the album’s final single, is one of the standout tracks. The beautifully rich bassline takes center stage while layered vocal harmonies reminiscent of Queen create an otherworldly atmosphere. In a scene often dominated by guitar-driven music, it’s refreshing to hear a bass take on the melody, particularly when executed so well. Throughout the record, the vocal melodies remain straightforward, but instead of feeling flat, they allow the synths to truly shine.
Franc Moody has always been very open about the artists that influence their sound, ranging from James Brown to Jamiroquai. Their musical lineage spans from 1950s blues to 1970s disco and 1990s dance tracks. On “Chewing The Fat,” they seamlessly weave together all these elements into one psychedelic body.
Esoteric, experimental synths make the foundation of this album’s sound. Thanks to Blur frontman Damon Albarn, Franc Moody had access to an unparalleled collection of synthesisers to help craft their new era.
“We’ve got arguably one of the most interesting collection of synths in the world at our disposal and found that the tones and colors of – especially, weirdly – a lot of the Russian synthesisers that he’s got, the peculiar string machines and oddball little furry analog things that no one can understand what’s written on them actually became the basis of the sonic palette that we put together.”
From sonar beeps to sounds reminiscent of a ray gun from a sci-fi movie, “Chewing The Fat” is filled with intriguing elements that reveal themselves with each listen. As the spring sunshine finally returns to the UK, Franc Moody has created the perfect vibe for summer festivals. “Chewing The Fat” encourages listeners to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and contemplate the question, “What if?”
Franc Moody are marking the new record with a tour stint across the UK and Europe – starting with a show at Rough Trade East on release day. Catch them in England, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark,