Funeral For A Friend – “Chapter and Verse” [Album Review]

Funeral For A Friend are back with Chapter and Verse, their seventh studio album since forming in in 2001. Despite going through more changes in their lineup than a newborn following a spicy curry, it seems guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts and vocalist Mathew Davies-Kreye would rather continue playing under the identity of Funeral For A Friend then call it a day.

Chapter and Verse is nothing to write home about and, sadly, doesn’t have anything that’s not been heard before. Having said that, I’m sure fans will not be disappointed. They have stayed true to their post-hardcore roots, and although Chapter and Verse is fairly standard, there do remain some standout tracks.

“Pencil Pusher” is an angry anthem that is sure to become a regular crowd-pleaser at live shows, while “1%” (clearly Chapter and Verse‘s best song) shows what the band are truly capable of when really put in everything they have. “Brother” is the only acoustic addition to the release, which, while very short, is both lyrically beautiful and emotionally lifting.

This may not be the group’s finest outing, but it will please their loyal fans, and may even draw in a few new ones. Given the turnaround in members though, it has become clear that they have no intention of throwing in the towel just yet.

Track Listing:

01. Stand By Me For The Millionth Time
02. You’ve Got A Bad Case Of The Religions
03. Pencil Pusher
04. You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself
05. 1%
06. After All These Years… Like A Lightbulb Going Off In My Head
07. Modern Excuse Of A Man
08. Inequality
09. Brother
10. Donny
11. The Jade Tree Years Were My Best

Run Time: 38:35
Release Date: January 19, 2015

Check out the song “You’ve Got A Bad Case Of The Religions”