Fixers – Altruistic Love (2021)
Described as an “experimental music meets psychedelic pop”, Fixers is a quirky five-piece hailing from the UK. Citing their influences as J-Pop, Vanilla Fudge, Brain Wilson and Cocteau Twins, the Oxford-based group have obscurity in their unique style. While they have been in the words for over a decade, their debut single ‘Amsterdam’ was released in 2010 and it has been nothing but uphill since then. Featured on BBC Introducing Oxford, Clash Magazine, Mixmag, The Line of Best Fit, NME and The Guardian, the lads have a growing fanbase for their intriguing music. One of the latest additions to their well-received discography is the single ‘Altruistic Love’.
One of the tracks off their long-awaited sophomore album The Sun, The Moon, The Wind, The Sea, ‘Altruistic Love’ is a merging of Radiohead, The Darkness and Feeder. Combining dynamic guitars and drums with powerful synths, the single balances on the line between psychedelia and rock…sort of a hazy ambience with mind-bending swirls of sound. I find the use of synthetic and organic instrumentation intriguing as Fixers walk the line of old-school rock with contemporary synth-laden music.
While the swelling synths and guitars lay a foundation of eclecticism, it is Jack Goldstein’s vocals with poetic lyricism that add obscurity to ‘Altruistic Love’. Highly reminiscent of Justin Hawkes, but with an original lilt, Goldstein effortlessly executes the moving lyrics to a flowing melody. Showcasing a wide vocal range, the dulcet tones have an urgency within the soothing joviality backed by Christopher Dawson’s guitar, Jason Warner’s bass, Michael Thompson’s drums and Roo Bhasin’s synths.
Yes, the single has individuality in every chord; however, it is the opening and end that capture my interest. Opening with gruff instrumentation, Fixers showcase their grungier side before elegantly traversing pop, alternative rock and grunge genres. Ending with a brash, abrupt halt in the catchy chorus, Fixers ensure you will be singing the song for hours afterwards. Infectious is an understatement as the lads ensnare your senses with this anthemic track.
In addition to the single, Fixers also released an official music video for ‘Altruistic Love’. Due to the extensive strobe effects that can cause seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy, we have not included it in this post. You can view the video HERE.
For more from Fixers check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
