FEET return with new album Make It Up. Having put themselves on the map with the wonderfully titled What’s Inside is More Than Just Ham back in 2019, the Coventry band look to build upon the foundations. Perhaps adding some cheese to add a more cohesive, thick layer to this hammy foundation. Now I’m hungry for a toastie.
The debut album displayed FEET’s ability to create wonky and interesting instrumentals that quickly inspired some big anthems, but they hone their craft here on Make It Up. Bringing twelve complete songs that all tell their stories fully, without sacrificing the off-kilter, unstable quality that makes their sound so exciting.
There’s nowhere better to look than on lead single ‘The Real Thing’, with its barrage of bass tones and Indie guitars that fill the ears with a throwback sound that makes you remember the highs of previous summers. Paired with George Haverson’s sharp lyricism, it also adds depth to the track as he channels some inner conflict as he ponders whether or not a relationship is indeed going to be the real thing or not.
“a song about confronting the transition in a relationship between a new thing to something more established. Asking a sincere question and hoping for an equally sincere response”.
It is jangly beyond belief and filled with a groove you cannot ignore. It remains one of my favourite songs of the year.
This anthemic sound continues on the likes of ‘I’m Wrong’, which croons its way into the hips with a melodic approach that’s also filled with mid 2000s guitars. It’s a throwback sound that bleeds through the record, as new single ‘Greasy Boy’ struts into frame with a laid back, self-deprecating tone that becomes quite endearing as it goes on.
It’s here that the album begins to lower the tempo and head into a more emotive direction. ‘Why Would I Lie?’ enters with some Mardy Bum-esque chords that swings into an easy-going instrumental that arrives with a cool breeze. Moving at a steady groove that gently flows by. ‘Truly Awful’ dives deeper into this direction by bringing a subdued performance that utilises harmonies well, making for a great moment halfway through the album.
As good as it was to be a little quiet, ‘Sit Down’ brings proceedings back to their most energetic with a driving instrumental that ramps the chaos levels back up again. It is infectious and undeniably catchy.
Make It Up is a great album from FEET. While it doesn’t push the boundaries and venture too far out of the comfort zone, it does build upon what we heard on their debut album and brings a more consistent sound. There’s a lot of catchy moments throughout – ‘The Real Thing’ remaining a firm favourite – but also a lot of introspective parts too. Making it a very complete and satisfying listen.