A Very Clever Summer Closer: A Review Of Single Honesty By FEVER

This single has been billed as a ‘summer closer’ to which I couldn’t agree more. Having not heard that expression before, I think it is entirely marvellous. The ‘summer closer’ in question is called Honesty by Hull quintet FEVER, released on September 9th. A few bands managed to pull off their biting winter tours this Jan, I recall clearly, the satisfaction had at Fontaines D.C. and Bombay Bicycle Club, even though it seems a lifetime ago, and FEVER was part of this last wave, selling out their sought after dates. This was leading to James Harrod, Mitchell Capes, Charley May, Joe Gray, and Sam Howell‘s support slot for mates The Blossoms and their tour, which alas, didn’t quite make it.

Actually signed to The Blossoms’ label Very Clever Records, fans digitally kept in touch with FEVER during lockdown, where they savored their versions of ditties originally performed by The Coral and The Housemartins. During this time, lead singer and writer Harrod was feeling particularly inspired. He narrates,

“Honesty is a song about being at the make or break point with someone you like. It’s saying we could keep on playing these games with each other, or we can just be honest and see what happens.”

He knew he had one of their mightiest tacks to date on his hands, but it required masses of patience until the boys were able to reunite and enable the glimmer in his head to become tangible.

Opening with my favoured guitar tones straight from the school of The Last Shadow Puppets, Honesty covers the throws of that confusing period when a relationship is only a tiny bud, not knowing if it will flourish or not. The words are asking a question that may render them vulnerable, but they must have an answer.

Musically, the Indie-pop song retains fluidity and is somehow soothing, but never lacklustre at all due to flowing, intuitive playing from them all. James’ voice is tuneful and holds a tenderness that suits the track as he pleas, “Do you feel it honestly? Is it your reality? Or is it just a dream?” The video has the DIY feel as the band naturally hang out and jam; it is pretty apparent how good friends they are, which shines out of a fairly dull, chilly day. It’s such an easy-going package.

Back For More is the digital b side, revisiting their RnB side and earlier work like Jungle Man and Money Love. Promisingly, the FEVER picture is building and fanbase ever-growing for this charming collection of enthusiastic musicians. They were only to keen to announce new dates for your calendar in 2021 as they pick up where they let off with their live efforts and engaging their followers, while earning more.

Fri 5 March: Manchester Gorilla (supporting Pacific)

Wed 17 March: Lincoln Engine Shed (supporting Blossoms)

Fri 19 March: Stoke Victoria Hall (supporting Blossoms)

Sat 20 March: Leicester O2 Academy (supporting Blossoms rescheduled dates)

Sun 21 March: Cambridge Junction (supporting Blossoms rescheduled dates)

Mon 29 March: London O2 Forum Kentish Town (supporting Blossoms rescheduled dates)

Article by Beverley Knight