If you haven’t heard of Fitz and the Tantrums yet, it may be because you’ve been living under a rock. They recently released their a self-titled album and their newest single, “HandClap,” has made serious waves, having been played in commercials and consistently charting high (and sometimes first) on the Alt Nation Alt 18 Chart, among other things.
I knew about Fitz and the Tantrums, but, like I am often prone to do, kind of sat on them until I saw an announcement that they were headlining a tour with a band that I’m in love with (Finish Ticket), so I decided to look more into Fitz and the Tantrums. I wasn’t disappointed.
Fitz and the Tantrums Make Your Hands Clap
Their new self-titled album begins with lead single “HandClap,” which, as I said earlier, is enjoying serious commercial success and could perhaps be the soundtrack to your summer.
Starting with an electronic-instrumental hook, “HandClap” is a good start to the album, or a good place to start listening to this band in general. There’s a jazzy attitude to this indie pop-rock track that just fits perfectly with the clapping antics and distorted but smooth vocals.
I’m a sucker for great drum beats and bass riffs, and the next few tracks on the album are great for me in these aspects. “Complicated,” a song about (well, mostly) sex, and “Burn It Down,” a song about love and keeping the world out, both play out the great sounds of funky, jazzy bass lines and electronica-influenced drum beats.
Then “Roll Up,” the fourth track, again shows talent with drum and bass, but I definitely feel like this song is influenced in some ways by reggae — though only lightly, as the jazz band electronica elements still permeate through this track, blending well into a fantastic mix.
“It feels just like your heart ain’t in it / Wish that I could just stop the universe from spinning” sings Michael Fitzpatrick in “Fadeback.” The song starts with a piano and vocal duet, then fades back (ha, get it?) into the electronica mix that has thus far been pertinent throughout this album. Though it definitely tries its best to be catchy (and it is), “Fadeback” also addresses missing someone and wanting them back, or wanting things to be the same as they once were.
“Get Right Back” reminds me a little bit of Twenty One Pilots’ newest release, Blurryface, without the rap. “Do What You Want” is a pop anthem that I feel could, like “HandClap,” easily be successful commercially. “Walking Target” mixes modern indie pop with the definitive sound of ‘80s synth pop classic. The album ends with “A Place for Us,” a strong note — it mixes all of the elements come before it, morphing into a unique sound that reminds me of Some Nights by fun.
Fitz and the Tantrums by Fitz and the Tantrums is a great summer soundtrack to play during long car rides (preferably with the top down headed to the beach) and is a great listen for fans of indie pop, catchy instruments and vocals, or just good music in general. Don’t sleep on this band like I did.
