When you listen to The Fratellis you might think of a few things: memorable songs, catchy lyrics, deep bass lines, strong guitar riffs, and heavy drums. When you listen to them you might hear them as a “soundtrack to an invisible burlesque show,” as front man Jon Fratelli says. They’re an indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland with some serious replay value.Consisting of three members, Jon Fratelli (vocals/guitar), Barry Fratelli (bass), and Mince Fratelli (drums), the band was formed when they were all working at a small carnival. They eventually played their first show in 2005 and while their great songs helped their popularity, rumors about the origin of their band name, that they were named after the Fratelli Family in The Goonies had also fueled interests. After a while the boys had stated that their name was taken from Barry’s mother’s maiden name and that they had all adopted the nickname for the band.
Almost a year later, in April 2006 the Fratellis self-titled EP hit the streets, featuring the songs, “Creepin’ Up the Backstairs”, “Stacie Ann”, and “The Gutterati?” While the EP wasn’t granted many presses, The Fratellis song “Creepin’ Up the Backstairs” was played constantly on Radio One of BBC Radio, which in turn got them a feature in New Musical Express, a British music magazine, calling them “the best new band in Britain.”
Some feel that because of their constant radio airplay and their immensely catchy songs, The Fratellis popularity got even greater. Then in June 2006 they released their next single, “Henrietta” which earned them the number 19 spot on the U.K. Top 40.Finally in August of that year the Fratellis debut album was released. The album titled “Costello Music” was very popular in the U.K., reaching as far as number 2 on the charts and nabbed them a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act. However, it didn’t do so well here in the States, even though their single “Flathead” was used in an iPod commercial and “Got Ma Nuts from a Hippy” was used in a commercial for Burberry perfume.
During late 2006 the band toured with Kasabian, a rock band from England, on their UK tour. Then they proceeded to tour on their own throughout the United Kingdom and their home of Glasgow. After their personal tour The Fratellis headlined at festivals such as T in the Park, and the Rock n Riot Tour. They then went on to open for The Police on some U.S. dates.
After their touring was over The Fratellis released their first live DVD of them playing in London’s Brixton Academy. On the DVD they played Costello Music, a few B-sides and for the special features answered questions from fans on their website.
In 2007 The Fratellis said they were back in Glasgow working on an upcoming album, titled Here We Stand, which was released here in the United States on June 11 of this year. Here We Stand was met with mixed reviews. It only reached number five on the United Kingdom charts, more then likely because the band had changed their sound so much from Costello Music, their previous album.
While they’re a relatively new band, the Fratellis are making their mark in the music industry with great music, exciting concerts and a large fan following. If you enjoy The Fratellis see them in San Francisco at the Warfield on September 17.
