Punk ska with pure soul, the Fornicators show true love for their surroundings on the heartfelt “La brea avenue”. Best played loud, very loud, there is a generosity to the way they allow all of it to simply burst out of the seams. The interplay of the band gives it a soothing, hypnotic quality to it. Chops abound for they truly pour their entire selves into it, making sure that the song teems with an uncanny sense of life. Purpose-wise, they delve deep into the specific area, with the geographic knowledge helping to add to the overall kindness of the piece. Layers intermingle and help to lend it an almost psychedelic air about it.
The revival of ska appears to be in full swing once more, and the Fornicators seem to be embracing that classic sound. One can hear elements of early Reel Big Fish into the equation for they do possess that same level of wildness. Going even further on out, there are clear nods to Save Ferris as well for there is a beauty to behold within the whole of the track. On the wilder side of things, and the newest wave of ska, Bomb The Music Industry! serves as another reference.
A soulful open starts things off with just the right level of fanfare. Horns here have a triumphant ode about them. The guitars keep on a rather stately presence about them. Rhythm itself is kept slow at first, making sure that they truly set the mood. Upon the vocals entering into the mix, they become the focal point. For a while they keep the drums out, further adding to the tremendous build-up of the piece. His voice has a lived-in presence to it, for the reflective nature of the lyrics feels to sync up perfectly with his spirit.
Upon the inclusion of the drums however they blast the sound off. With a spritely pace, the song has a jaunty presence about it. Full of compassion and kindness, the outpouring of the verses feels so inviting. An entire space explored from every possible angle lends this sense of place that the song celebrates. Given the particular isolated nature of the world right now, it is doubly refreshing to hear of a sense of place that has a real and vibrant presence about it.
“La brea avenue” features the tremendous outpouring of emotion for a place that is truly cared for and held in awe by the Fornicators.
