Of all the band breakups to affect me the most, the demise of post-hardcore veterans Funeral For A Friend is near the top. What’s most sad about it is that I saw it coming – but it’s not like the band had anything to hang their heads about. They released a number of acclaimed albums that are still very influential to bands today, and they toured constantly, despite member changes that would sink most other bands. They even managed to release some of their best material in late career highlight Conduit.
It’s likely that most fans of the band will tag 2003 debut full-length Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation as the band’s best. And while I can’t say I disagree with that statement, it’s the 2005 followup Hours that also holds some of the band’s best material.
It was the summer of 2005, and my 15-year old self heard “Roses For The Dead” on FUSE TV. I had honestly been hooked by the band back in 7th grade when I heard their signature track “Juneau”, but there was something about “Roses For The Dead” that immediately cemented itself as one of my favorite songs I’ve ever heard. Maybe it was because it contained one of Matt Davies’ best vocal performances? Or maybe it was the instantly quotable lyrics? Perhaps it’s because a melodically intense track that was never ferocious, but also didn’t lack any bite. It’s that dichotomy that makes Hours truly stand out.
The album has probably the most anthemic qualities and songs of any FFaF album. In fact, the whole thing (except for the slower songs) tends to gallop along like a racehorse, especially on the faster tracks like the metallic “The End Of Nothing”, the melodic “Recovery”, and especially on vicious opener “All The Rage”. Even on the weaker tracks like “Hospitality”, the ebb and flow of the album serves it well and prevents it from becoming predictable and/or stale at all. This is embodied by the bold, brave closing track “Sonny”, a slow electronic track that sounded unlike anything the band had tried to date.
I don’t necessarily think Hours is FFaF’s best work. There’s some tracks that are clearly weaker than others. But the album flows incredibly well, probably better than any of their other material except for maybe Welcome Home Armageddon. It’s this attention to detail that really made Funeral For A Friend a highly influential post-hardcore band in the 15 years they were together. They may have made better albums, sure – but ask anyone what their top 5 FFaF songs are, and you’re likely to find at least 1 or 2 tracks off Hours on their list.
Thanks for everything, FFaF. You’ll live on forever.
