Fairmont – Transcendence

Transcendent Band Defies Cataloging

Fairmont defy genre definition. This act has a comfortable grip on pop-punk, soul often found in singer-songwriters, and a variety of indie-pop styles including the recently popular ability to transplant harmonies from the 1960s. Unlike many modern multi-genre bands, however, Fairmont are good at it. The tunes on Transcendence fit together into a coherent whole despite deliberate stylistic differences.Lead singer Neil Sabatino’s voice lends itself nicely to every performance ranging from simple and soulful to more complex punk-pop numbers. While all of the songs on the album are upbeat and genuine, “Being & Nothingness” is perhaps a bit longer than strictly necessary. “Nowhere, Mass.” would be an excellent example of songwriting if it weren’t for the strange underlaid talking at the end of it. Some of the album’s lyrics are trite, such as the repeated “Just love what you do / and do what you like” from the aptly titled “Everyone Hates a Critic.”

The musicianship on Transcendence is understated, and at times even delicate, but always well-crafted. Fairmont favor clean drumlines and whimsical piano over the typical driving rhythm of alternative rock. This choice creates a pure sound in songs like “Prick” and “Awkward Silence” belying the album’s more traditional punk lyrical themes.

Fairmont’s sound is influenced by a wide variety of artists and styles, but in an age of musical mimicry they manage to maintain a sound of their own. While not without its flaws, Trancendence is fun indie-punk well worth keeping on repeat.