The Blinders follow up 2018's album of the year 'Columbia' (full review here) with 'Fantasies Of A Stay At Home Psychopath'. Released on 17th July via Modern Sky UK, it was recorded at Manchester’s Eve Studios with producer Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi).
Columbia was an intense social reflection that laid bare the uncivil rest in a Trump and post-Brexit world. 'Fantasies Of A Stay At Home Psychopath' catches fire in a similar vein. 'Forty Days & Forty Nights' summons an unhinged Western villain to a blizzard of noise. 'Lunatic' (With A Loaded Gun)' bridges 'Columbia' to the present day perfectly. Anti-Trump rhetoric spews from their gut (“there are children in cages on Mondays pages”) on this fine display of despondent rock ‘n’ roll.
'Fantasies Of A Stay At Home Psychopath' sets out to achieve far more than just punk rock polemic. Enhanced musicality and character-driven songs emerge from the embers of 'Columbia'. The elaborate styles of ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ and the romance of Bowie’s ‘Drive-In Saturday’ shimmer with pop glory on 'Circle Song' (full review here).
'Mule Track', inspired by a painting from the Imperial War Museum, disparately uses guitar parts like the Mary Chain to channel shorter but more resonating blasts. As they examine hell on earth as a concept, the twists and turns of Brian Jonestown Massacre unfurl in a whirlwind of drama. Meanwhile, 'Rage At The Dying Light' takes their rebellion for a messed up dance with Phil Spector and Joy Division.
Joy Division emerges once more on 'Black Glass', a monologue of a twisted introvert's descent, they deliver the album's moment of true genius! In the shadow of “no more experts” and an era where the facts can't be agreed on, this song will rattle your soul. The haunting keys sound off like warning signs to the impending doom of Pandora's box being opened. Despite the bilious world we live in, The Blinders conjure a 'The Chain' meets 'Transmission' solo to echo down the ages.
That guitar part alone could be enough to transform their fortune. Their cult status has been given a dose of something more universal but crucially, maintained all of their integrity. The world needed The Blinders angst in 2018. In 2020, with nuance almost extinct, they have begun to sew the fabric of society together again with this eclectic blend.