FIDLAR are growing up, and aren’t sure what to do about it. Perhaps slightly presumptuous, yet evidence for this is dotted all over their sophomore album ‘Too’. The carefree frivolity that characterised their self-titled debut has been watered down by adult anxieties.
The drug ode opener and lead single ‘40oz. On Repeat’ – a slower offering in itself – is followed by various references to maturity. “Where do I belong, where do I go,” vocalist Zac Carper spits on ‘Why Generation’, before the more blatant ‘Sober’ offers the line, “I figured out as I got older that life just sucks when you get sober.”
The downbeat ‘Overdose’ seemingly acts as a final farewell to narcotics, with ‘Leave Me Alone’ expressing the inner anguish that splits ‘Too’ right down the middle. “To late to die young, and too young to burnout,” Carper philosophises on the latter. It’s a juxtaposition that lies at the core of the record; depicting the conflict between the sun-soaked Los Angeles climate that bore FIDLAR and the increasing realities of life.
Yet the debauchery-in-sound of their debut remains, layered over the considered lyrics. FIDLAR now celebrate a darker edge that gives ‘Too’ more depth. Playing out like a bad trip, the twists and turns confuse and excite as the album’s tempo wavers. ‘West Coast’ proves a particular highlight with its insatiably catchy refrain and sun kissed vibes that sit at odds with some of the other tracks.
It’s a beautiful mess; garage rock with substance. ‘Too’ is an insight into the second adolescence of modern society, with FIDLAR choosing weather to slow down or follow their skate-punk motto and moniker, “Fuck it dog, life’s a risk.”
What opens with a decree to lock themselves away with an abundance of recreational drugs is concluded by a declaration of their stupid decision making (“Stupid Decisions”) and the resignation to the inner turmoil on ‘Bad Habits’. “I’m getting older and I’m freaking out,” they offer on the latter. At least if there’s one thing FIDLAR are sure of, it’s how to write another brilliant record.
BEN TIPPLE