Album// Frankie & The Heartstrings - Hunger, 21.2.11.

Hunger: Sunderland quintet Frankie & the Heartstrings’ debut album. Named after and heavily influenced by Knut Hamsun’s novel with the same name. At first glance the band resemble a 21^st century rip off of The Smiths, therefore building a preconception of gloomy, poetic lyrics accompanied by a poor copy of Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar riffs.

However this preconception couldn’t be any further from the truth, apart from the heavy influence of literary works. But instead the band has gone in a more Orange Juice direction, being taken under the wing of Edwyn Collins and recording the album in his West Heath Yard studio, incorporating quirky guitars and corny lyrics. Mostly about being in love. The album also has aspects alike Blondie- Shown in the bass line of “Ungrateful,” being unbelievably similar to Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.” Also tongue in cheek, upbeat tracks, reminiscent of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, minus the strings and dungarees. In tracks such as latest single “Hunger,” also “Possibilities” and possibly the best track on the album; “Tender,” blatantly inspired by Fitzgerald’s book; “Tender is the Night.” Starting slowly then leading into a full blown blissful, early 80’s pop anthem.

Coming to an ultimate end after amazingly fitting ten tracks into just Thirty-Four minutes. With the album’s climax, “Don’t Look Surprised,” Finishing off a great, upbeat album. Virtually impossible not to fall in love with and leave you hungry for more from these charming, northern bookworms. One of the most enjoyable albums to be released in a long while.

Jonathan Hatchman.