Fairgale blows away audience at album launch
Local rockers Fairgale launched their latest album, “Pillars,” this past weekend with a live performance in downtown St. John’s.
The four-year-old band chose an unusual venue for their album launch, packing the Jag Hotel’s Exile Restaurant and Lounge with friends, family, and fans on April 28.
With a prompt 9:30 p.m. start, the band kicked off their pop-rock spectacle, delivering a wave of sound that the room couldn’t seem to handle, the sound bouncing off the walls, muddling the music. Luckily, the sound tech was quick to figure out the issues, soon balancing the four-piece band’s instrumentation and three-piece harmonies.
I was struck by lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew Rodgers’ impressive vocal capabilities, showing a strong handle on a range of octaves.
Guitarist, keyboard player and vocalist Stephen Green shared vocals with Rodgers, while drummer Brad Tuck provided backup vocals to the boys.
Bassist Gary Powers was tucked away behind the frontman, sharing laughs with drummer Tuck.
After playing “Drop in the Ocean,” the opening track from their 2018 album, I mused over
the future of this band.
Their brand of radio rock is so friendly and accessible, Fairgale is seemingly just one viral Okgo-esque music video away from continent-wide attention. Throughout the show, I kept thinking of the Arkells, a Junoaward winning, internationally known Canadian band who deliver a similar pop-rock sound.
If Fairgale’s music gets to the right pair of ears, these dudes are on their way to topping the charts.
Seemingly influenced by 2000s pop bands like Coldplay, Weezer, and the not-so-emo hits of Motion City Soundtrack,
The Killers, All-american Rejects and more, Fairgale also channel the somewhat grungey sound of 90s rock bands like Oasis, Pearl Jam, Our Lady Peace, etc., and current pop balladeers like Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran.
Classic rock also played a major part in the formation of their musical direction, with Fairgale performing covers of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” and Trooper’s “We’re Here For A Good Time (Not A Long Time),” a complete departure from the original versions.
While these songs were well received by the audience, it was clear that the crowd had gathered to support the band’s new material, showing their support by applause after “Another Day,” and “Fireproof.” Fairgale had people dancing in their seats for “I Don’t Know,” the single from their 2015 album, “Own The Light.”
I remembered the simple chorus from its heyday a couple of years ago, thanks to its catchy hooks and repeated lines, made for singin’ along.
Switching instruments for different tracks, the band members showcased their other talents, with a riveting encore that had me thrown for a loop.
Drummer Brad Tuck stepped to the mic, picking up Rodgers’ guitar after handing him the drumsticks.
At that moment, Fairgale became a trad rock band, headed by Shanneyganock band member Tuck. They performed Tuck’s recently released single “Rise Up,” drawing a couple of attendees out to the basically non-existent dance floor.
Not trying to put “Pillars” on a pedestal, here, but even though I may not own a radio, I feel I know a chart-topper when I hear one.
Best of luck at the ECMA showcases, Fairgale.