(COPRO RECORDS)
Fony aren't phoney but striking rock realists.
Surrey-based (they often play in and around South London with my 'Collective'-pals, Black Lines) and well-versed in emotional articulation, singer Olly Gibbons leads the Fony pack, with album-opening 'Satire For The World' injected with a Matt Bellamy-ised vocal shrill. 'Helium' takes off with more subtlety and is lovingly lilting, soulful and acoustic based with sparsely effective piano trickles tickling behind. This is one of many highlights and is buffered by the headstrong 'Black Windows And A Film Noir' that precedes it, and the melodic Emo-riffage of 'Emeritus' that headily follows.
'Fucking The Sentiment,' in keeping with the title, is a blatantly in-ya-face scream-fest of intensity, though Fony are definitely at their best when mid-paced and at their most melodic.
The title track in 'Circles' is the most astonishing melody of all� a beautiful and tender masterpiece, proving that these 5 lads who comprise Fony are both masters of their own invention and their instruments, with Phil Bashford & Steve Gush on guitars, Ryan Harris on bass and Peter Hamilton smacking the skins as though harsh discipline is essential.
'Wishful End,' similarly, is a standout track and authenticates the fact that Fony are mature and sensitive beyond their ways; whether passive or aggressive in their ways.
'Circles' is actually their second album after 2002's 'Routine Irregular, and this 11-track/ 50-minute follow-up has been produced by Pete Brown who also produced the damn fine debut album by a certain Glam-punk-rock band called Phluid - who are another must-hear and must-see outfit.
So go seek, and reap the wild wind� 4/5 (Steve Rudd)
Release Date: October 20th 2003.