Funeral for a Friend - Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation. Released July 13, 2004 (Ferret/Atlantic Records)
       
Alright, so here's the deal, Funeral For a Friend have been around for a few years, with their first CD being released in 2003 (Seven Ways to Scream Your Name). To be honest, I was sort of upset to hear that they have been around for so long, because I had only heard of them from a Ferret Records compilation CD, just a few months ago. The song that got me interested in them was Bullet Theory, which for the most part, has the most screaming that you're going to hear out of them (unfortunate to the metalcore crowd). Funeral for a Friend originated from England, and they are a cool bunch of guys. They left England because of it's boring scene, and came to the states, which in their minds is much more pleasing. I can't quite pinpoint what band they remind me of, it's hard to say. Just think of the Beatles, minus the dumb lyrics, add some double bass, talent, and a purpose. They differentiate from the generic stuff by converging soft/mellow tunes in with more powerful ones. It is possible to casually relax, and then get pumped during the same song, which is a feat in itself. This CD is one that I highly recommend picking up, while you're there, their new CD, Hours, is quite good as well, and expect a review shortly. Funeral for a Friend is a great addition to Ferret and Atlantic Records, they are definitely here to stay.

Matt Steinhauer