Album review: FIDLAR – SURVIVING THE DREAM

That SURVIVING THE DREAM finds Los Angeles trio FIDLAR singing an awful lot about being fucked-up will come as no surprise to those familiar with their previous work. The ‘Fuck It Dawg Life’s A Risk’ mantra after which they’re named is on display again on the band’s fourth LP, and while there’s not a whole lot of expansion on that philosophy, SURVIVING THE DREAM does contain a few moments of confessional lyricism from frontman Zac Carper that illuminate proceedings beyond the norm.

FIDLAR excel most when Zac’s storytelling is at its most earnest, like on the dramatic, affecting opener FIX ME. Backed by the fast-paced, raucous punk that FIDLAR are dab hands in, lyrics like ‘I’m the type of crazy that’s not the cute type’ certainly have the desired impact. The fuzzy, thick sound of LOW is another strong moment, as is the big chorus of ORANGE COUNTY. The sprightly power-pop of SAD KIDS – complete with its ‘Sad kids like to party’ hook – is goofy as hell, but there’s just enough charm on show that FIDLAR get away with it.

There are, though, a few misses here. BREAK YOUR HEART is pretty forgettable, while I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS and NUDGE stray into rather irksome territory. Closing track HURT does, however, end things on a high, as FIDLAR lean into a more mature, withheld sound that allows the heart of Zac’s endearing lyrics to shine through.

After five years away, this isn’t quite the dream return from FIDLAR, but there’s enough resolve across these 13 tracks to suggest they can keep the party going a good while yet.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: Dune Rats, Frank Iero, The Chats

SURVIVING THE DREAM is released September 20