Working Men's Club – Fear Fear
Working Men's Club's latest is an acutely refined album fuelled by energy and agitation from a group way ahead of their age
Headed by Syd Minsky-Sargeant, West Yorkshire indie outfit Working Men’s Club burst onto the alternative scene in 2020 with their self-titled dance-infused debut album, analysing documentations of life in the north of England and all of its discrepancies with catchy hooks and witty lyrics. Their follow-up, Fear Fear, keeps the band’s momentum firmly on track. It channels more of a dystopian feel than their debut, with slightly less commercial appeal, but delving into its neatly layered tracks, there are new gems to unearth.
Minsky-Sargeant says in a press release that “there’s a lot more that needed to be said in this [new record]” and it certainly comes across. His dark lyricism on Widow contrasts with the track’s bold sonic textures, setting the tone for the remainder of the album. There’s a polished feel to Fear Fear (especially in standout track Ploys) which sacrifices the minimalistic charm that latched many fans onto their debut, but it feels like a necessary progression for the young band still in their late teens/early 20s.
Sophomore album slump? Definitely not with Fear Fear. This is an acutely refined album fuelled by energy and agitation from a group way ahead of their age.
Listen to: Ploys, 19