Father John Misty
Fear Fun
Seattle, WA
(Sub Pop)
“Hauntingly personal lyrics and introspective harmonies”
Former Fleet Foxes drummer, Josh Tillman, is Father John Misty. Father John Misty is a brooding, introspective man on a journey. His new album Fear Fun is, as he calls it, a “vehicle of truth” – his attempts at sorting through the darkest period of his life. Despite the rather downtrodden subject matter, there is a surprisingly prevalent sense of hope to many of the tracks: an acknowledgement through rough guitar chords, steady drumbeats, and organically growing harmonies of the light at the end of the tunnel.
Fear Fun is a truly personal and meaningful project for Tillman. The leadoff tracks are raw and vulnerable. “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” is an acknowledgement of the need for help with an infectious bass line and ominous lyrics. The rock/Americana blended sound of the album is simple; it is about making peace and moving on.
Fear Fun is an example of what brutal honesty with yourself can accomplish. Tillman’s impressive musicianship paired with his creative and insightful lyricism has resulted in something compelling and haunting. The album isn’t due to hit stores until May, but the wait is well worth it.