MyGlobalMind Review: 5th Time's The Charm (Chris Martin)

The Fill-In’s had one of my favorite albums last year with their debut full length album Hipster Killers. I got it a little late to review it, but it was such an amazing record I had no choice but to make it one of my Top 5 releases of 2014. When I was given the chance to preview and write about their second full length album Fifth Time’s the Charm, I was beyond ecstatic. It looks like they’re going to wind up as one of my favorites of 2015 too.

When I first popped in the album I was expecting more of the same: fast paced rocking tunes about drinking, partying, and having a good time. What I got instead was a bit of a departure for the band. Still fast paced, but they have a harder edge this time around, and lyrically they seem to be out to prove they’re a whole lot more than a party band. The lyrics tap into more cerebral topics like the current fade of acting like you’re a victim because someone said something you disagree with on social media, the mindless pursuit of people trying to be something they aren’t, while still tossing in a song or two showing that the band aren’t all serious all the time. Musically, the band is better than ever, showing tightness in their chemistry and stretching out their abilities more. Guitarist Mikey Black tears up a fretboard, and it shows on this album. While able to play a blazing lead, he can also show tasteful melodic abilities too. Drummer Matt McCoy is such a powerhouse, playing with such power and authority. Bassist James “Cap” Nunn is a brilliant player as well, adding some sweet bass lines throughout. Frontman/guitarist Alex Stiff continues demonstrating that he doesn’t give a shit about stepping on people’s toes, saying exactly what is on his mind. His voice seems to have even more bite to it this time. Songs like “Spit In My Face,” “You’re the Victim,” “If You Want It To Be,” and “Too Fast To Live” were the ones I connected to instantly, but the whole album is a fantastic.

Not exactly punk, but definitely with a punk attitude, this is classic guitar driven hard rock sorely missing these days. Powerful, catchy songs delivered with reckless abandon while never straying too far from what brought them to the table, Fifth Time’s the Charm is a smart, mature release from what has quickly become one of my favorite bands. Also have to give a shout out to Fifman Studios and producer Steve Coleman for capturing the rawness of The Fill-in’s live spirit while at the same time allowing them to step out of their zone a little bit and try a different focus. This is truly a fantastic album full of catchy yet raging songs, top notch playing, and a perfect mix of angst and joy that it gives it balance. Of course where this band truly destroys is on stage. If they’re hitting a stage close to you go. I’ve seen them several times already and they get better and better.

Written by: Chris Martin

Rating: 9/10

Shutter 16 Review: 5th Time's The Charm (Kevin Robbins)

If you’re in the mood for an album to get you pumped up for your workout at the gym, or some music to keep your adrenaline going during the long day of yardwork – or any kind of work – then I have a treat for you. Local Charlotte rock ‘n’ rollers The Fill Ins are about to release a brand new album with 13 tracks that will make you feel like you just guzzled down a couple of cans of Monster. If you’ve ever seen these guys live before, then you already know what you’re in for; if you haven’t, then I highly recommend you go to their next show and pre-order this new album; you’ll thank me later.

Fifth Time’s the Charm is the newest album by The Fill Ins set to be released on July 3. This band will put a beating on your eardrums with their brash style of no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. With plenty of attitude and strong opinions, their music is frantic, in-your-face and not for those who are easily offended. If you’re looking for a new album similar to what you’ll hear on most “new rock” FM stations then keep on looking, but if you’re looking for for an album full of loud guitars, short, fast paced tunes, then look no further.

I also did a review on the group’s last album, Hipster Killers , and as good as that effort was – this go around is better. Like the title of the upcoming release suggests, this is the fifth album by the band and they are starting to transition from a punk sound to a more straightforward rock style.

The album starts off with an intro, something I am not usually a fan of, this is a rare exception. I have never heard an album start off with a warning of what you are about to hear. The guys in the band are actually giving all you people that get heated over subjects such as “loud guitars, political incorrectness and profanity” a heads up to stop the album before it “ruins your day.” The music on the album has a ton of down and dirty guitar riffs with tons of power and attitude, which was actually what I felt carried the tunes. Guitarist Mikey Black has been hard at work improving his technique and skills; the solos are lightning fast and mindblowing. Black’s work in “You’re the Victim,” and “Hot Summer Night” are perfect examples of this.

Vocalist Alex Stiff had plenty to say this time around as well. He has some choice words for those of you that take social media too seriously and fake people, as well as a few songs on the topic of sex, and of course a good ole’ rock ‘n’ roll style party. What really pleased me, though, was the improvement of the vocal melodies. There are much more melodies in the vocals than before, giving these tunes a more solid rock sound than the previous punk-dominant songs. The album, as a whole is really good, one that I will have on my iPhone for a long time to come, but tracks like the first single “Spit In My Face,” and “Morning After” really stood out to me.

Fans of old school rock ‘n’ roll will love this album. It has all the power and attitude the classics had, but still has little hints of the group’s punk rock roots mixed in. The drums will get your feet and hands pounding along, the guitars will cause some serious headbanging, and the lyrics are easy to connect with. The Fill Ins really did a great job on these 13 tracks, tons of hard work and energy went into recording this album. You can pre-order Fifth Time’s A Charm here , or check the band out at their release party on July 3 at Tremont Music Hall to get your copy.