Fortune Teller - ‘Premonitions’ review
Fortune Teller
South Wales pop-punk band, Fortune Teller recently dropped their blazing new EP Premonitions. They draw inspiration from renowned pop-punk bands like Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, and The Story So Far, and have created a unique sound that highlights the best of the genre.
The opening song of the EP sets a genre-defining tone with fast-paced guitars and anthemic lyricism. "Starting Again" welcomes listeners to an infectious sound filled with blazing energy. The track depicts the challenges of starting afresh after a relationship failure and the growing feeling of betrayal. The heartbroken lyrics are accompanied by deafening drums and roaring guitars, adding to the sheer rage of the track. In the chorus, the singer Mason Meachem utters, "What more can anyone do?" before raising a white flag to signal the abandonment of the situation. "Drop The Act" serves as the second single from the EP, which was released a week before Premonitions came out. The song shares a similar theme with the opening track, expressing the feeling of betrayal, which is typical in pop-punk themes. Although the band took a different approach than their influences, each song on the EP still retains the familiar traits of pop-punk hits that fans will appreciate. The coming-of-age lyrics, such as "now it all makes sense to me," emphasise the idea of growth in the EP. Each song details a different step of the story, but they all relate through the band's blossoming signature sound.
"Problematic" showcases a vulnerable side of the quartet. It starts with slower vocals but eventually picks up the pace in line with the rest of the EP. The track transitions seamlessly between its alternative sound and effectively conveys the frustration and agony of the lyrics. The phrase "I'm so frustrated because we never seem to get along" echoes the irritation that pervades the entire EP, and the powerful delivery of the track by singer Mason Meachem further amplifies its message.
The penultimate track “What a Shame” shows a sign of strength in an otherwise self-deprecating collection of lyrics. The track relishes in hard-hitting drums, championed with amplified vocals. This transitions flawlessly into debut single, "Jump Ship." The final track features nostalgic lyrics that take listeners back to the beginning of this journey. The band sounds comfortable in their sound, making it feel like this is the music they were always meant to make. This song is a perfect example of the home they found in the pop-punk genre, and their debut EP is expected to be warmly welcomed.
The EP showcases a journey of growth, not only in its sound but also in its lyrics. It starts with an underlying anger towards the world due to heartache, then takes time to reflect and ends in a self-realisation. Premonitions is an exciting example of the future of pop-punk, displaying vulnerability while still packing a powerful punch. If Premonitions is any indication, Fortune Teller have a bright future ahead.
Premonitions from Fortune Teller is out now and available on all good streaming platforms.
