Album Review: Jon Fratelli, Bright Night Flowers

Best known as the frontman with Glaswegian indie-rockers The Fratellis, Jon Fratelli has enjoyed a parallel career as a solo artist. The singer has certainly been in prolific form of late, with Bright Night Flowers – his third solo LP – following hot on the heels of The Fratellis’ 2018 offering, In Your Own Sweet Time.

Those encountering Fratelli’s work for the first time couldn’t ask for a better introduction, as this record finds him at the top of his game. Deviating from the The Fratellis’ abrasive sound, Bright Night Flowers has a more reflective mood, with the emphasis on country and folk. With lush production from Stuart McCredie (Attic Lights, Codeine Velvet Club), the record contains some beautifully rich, baroque arrangements. Tracks like ‘Crazy Lovers Song’, ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Dreams Don’t Remember Your Name’ evoke a darkly romantic sense of Americana. It’s an atmosphere reflected in the album’s striking cover: a desolate bowling alley, which subtly suggests the American Dream in quiet distress.

Fratelli’s voice has an ache recalling Closing Time-era Tom Waits, though Bright Night Flowers is not simply sad and pessimistic. Rather, these are vivid soundscapes in which to pleasurably lose yourself. And at times, Fratelli lets rip to electrifying effect, particularly on the honky-tonk wailer ‘Evangeline’ and the slide guitar-driven ‘Crazy Lovers Song’. A truly beguiling and hypnotic album.

8/10

Out now.