Recorded during the global lockdown at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, New Zealand, the album themes around conscious songs of freedom and hope for the future. Being renowned as one of the best live acts in the world, it was only fitting that the band gave their international fanbase these intimate and raw renditions, which almost make you feel as if you were there.
In the bands words, “It’s a reflection of the surreal times that have halted tour life in 2020”, and was a way for them to “give back” to their fans worldwide, by providing them with some new versions of old favourites. You can hear this throughout and can tell that the band are just happy to be out of the house and jamming together once again after so many weeks and months of isolation.
If you ever get a chance to see these guys live, you have to take the opportunity. A seamless blend of funk, jazz, soul and Kiwiana, there music is truly like nothing else out there. To me, they embody New Zealand better than any other act out there and are synonymous with Kiwi summer. Check out the video below if you don’t believe me, and tell me you’ve ever seen anything quite like this.
Below is a clip of one of the songs from the session album ‘Hope’. I remember when the album came out and this song in particular, was eerie to listen to. It was such a weird moment in history, where no one really knew what was going on and how the future would unfold. I’m glad that things are relatively back to normal these days, but at the time, hope really was the only thing that we had.
For me, the standout track from this album is ‘This Room’. Being one of my favourite songs of theirs anyway, I was always going to love this one, but this version is a refreshing spin on the old classic. ‘Avengers’ is also an amazing track, but I can’t take away from anything on this album. Like the rest of their discography, this album is best enjoyed in its entirety.
Fat Freddy’s, you are a national treasure, don’t ever stop doing what you guys do, and can’t wait to see you soon!
2 thoughts on “Album Review: Fat Freddy’s Drop ~ Lock-In”
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you so much! Your kind words are appreciated <3