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Album Review

Fosca
The Painted Side Of The Rocket But Is It Art?

Article written by James S - Jun 25, 2008

Fosca - The Painted Side Of The Rocket

There is only thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. Having occupied the position of the most recognisable man on the London gig circuit for many years now, Fosca front man Dickon Edwards doubtlessly knows both the up and down sides of Oscar Wilde’s wise words.

And much like Wilde’s masterful creation Dorian Gray, Edwards never seems to show any sign of aging - one suspects that the peroxide blonde hair and dandy’s wardrobe will still be present when he queues for his pension.

‘The Painted Side of the Rocket’ is Fosca’s first album in six years, though the songs are hardly what you‘d call finely honed. Edwards is all too often a case of style over substance, and both his vocals and lyrics remain as weedy as his demeanour in places. On the plus side, his barnet and the dreadful attempt at an “oh-ooh” on opener I’ve Agreed To Something I Shouldn’t Have does suggest an alternative career as a Jimmy Saville impersonator awaits though.

In truth, after early duds like the grating Head Boy, this album does gradually begin to improve. Don’t Be A DJ is cheerfully self-explanatory and Confused And Proud manages to be a minor shoegaze classic despite not featuring any guitars whatsoever. It’s notable that the real highlight comes when keyboardist Kate Dornan takes over writing and singing duties on the delightfully jangly Evening Dress at 3pm.

Themes of outsiderness, misanthropy and defeatism run through the record like a stick of rock, suggesting that Edwards retains his unique look as a way of waving two fingers at an uncaring world. Luckily, he also knows the importance of not being too earnest - it’s just a shame that there isn’t more on here to get Wilde about.

Links:
http://www.fosca.com
http://www.butisitart.org