The Fatales — Great Surround

New York-via-Washington, D.C. quartet The Fatales paint an eerie, Interpol-esque picture on Great Surround, their eclectic full-length debut.

Mood is a crucial element throughout from the start with atmospheric opener "Evergreen." Lead singer Wayne Switzer possesses a dramatic voice that adds to the ghostly feeling and soars with the instrumental arrangements, as heard the pulsating "Islands Of Fortune." Likewise, the haunting vocals and layered arrangements all come together on the melodic album closer "Torch."

The band are skilled, but there's an air of uncertainty throughout the album that could've been fixed with a tighter focus. The tracks abruptly shuffle from straight electronic to acoustic to pop, and brief instrumentals such as "Eveningwear" are nice mood pieces, but are easily forgotten and don't add much to the album.

Overall, The Fatales come off as capable musicians still trying to find their footing. Great Surround won't be the last we hear from them.

Get it from