Beating Time
HEAVENBOUND By Phatfish Website: www.phatfish.net
Phatfish are one of Britain's most significant Christian bands. As well as two previous critically-acclaimed albums, Phatfish have toured extensively in the UK and America.
Formed in 1994, Phatfish started out with strong acid-jazz / funk tendencies but with each album these influences have become less and less predominant. Phatfish have adapted to changing musical taste and Heavenbound is a more of a straightforward rock album. Although the band has lost something of their musical distinctiveness, Phatfish's trademark complex rhythms, courtesy of brothers Nathan and Luke Fellingham, are still very much present. Lots of jangly guitars and Louise Fellingham's distinctive vocals make for a tight, but pleasantly 'raw' sound.
This is one of the few albums I have heard recently that I could confidently say are filled with scripture. Heavenbound is therefore quite theological (I found my listening session turned into a Bible study once or twice!) but to their credit, Phatfish always apply the theology to real life. Several songs feature clear gospel messages and a couple of others could easily be used as songs in church.
