One of those bands that I really want to see are Chicago band rock trio Fort Frances, whose superb debut album “The Atlas” released in 2011 still gets plays and is a forever favourite.
Now back with a new EP, Fort Frances entitled “No One Needs to Know Our Name” and its out May 12th, the effort highlights a brand new side of the band, of its members saying “goodbye to twenty-somethings.” Where “The Atlas” showcased a group playing understated but memorable folk music, “No One” is unquestionably a rock effort, complete with more mature offerings that are nonetheless catchy and fun.
Opener “Days Get Heavy” sets the tone by being a foot-stompin’ anthem with an absolutely hair-raising chorus. The expert songwriting and instantly accessible songwriting continues throughout, from the swooning, heartfelt epic “These Are The Mountains Moving,” the horn-led swing of “Anonymous,” the Spoon-like swagger of “Year of Gold or the infectious pop rock of “Best of Luck.” Partially responsible for the bigger sound is producer Sam Kassirer (Lake Street Dive, Josh Ritter), who recorded the album with the band last fall at his Maine farmhouse. It’s an effort teeming with different ideas.