Shining a light through the mists of time, it came to me that I had actually heard of Glasgow band No Fxd Abode before and it took but a little research to determine that they had all the hallmarks of Scottish indie rockers on the up and up. Time now therefore to put pen to paper on their debut album "Growing Pains".
You might well think that No Fxd Abode are about to give you the kind of album that you expect and, certainly, "Million Different Ways" is as sparky a piece of indie rock as you are likely to hear. However, writing this band off as boys making some good time three chord noise isn't that easy and, while it is true that they present themselves musically as just another indie rock band, there is far more beneath the surface. Take the quasi punk undertones of "Poor Show" for example. Beneath that rough and ready presentation is a clever pop song. Likewise "Fake ID" is sharper lyrically than a sharp suit.
A song with a title like "For Mum" could easily have nosedived into maudlin sentimentality but instead No Fxd Abode manage to turn it into something of an anthem and that's a sure sign of this band's inherent quality. Credit is duly given to Chris Woods for putting his heart and soul into his vocals throughout. It is that kind of approach that makes all the difference.
Available for the bargain price of free from Bandcamp.