Music Review: The Fauntleroys, Below The Pink Pony

By Melissa Bratcher

I fully expected to enjoy the debut EP from The Fauntleroys, a new collaboration (I’m not using the word “supergroup” because it’s just embarrassing on principle) from Ivan Julian (founding member of the Voidoids), Linda Pitmon (Zuzu’s Petals, The Baseball Project), Nicholas Tremulis (Chicago-based soul iconoclast), and Alejandro Escovedo (Rank and File, The Nuns, and an amazing solo career). What I didn’t expect was to love Below The Pink Pony as much as I do. It’s six fantastic, loose, throwback songs done by stellar musicians who are obviously having a great time.

The foursome share in songwriting and vocal duties, and Escovedo uncharacteristically plays bass. The MVP, though, is drummer Linda Pitmon. Her drumming is spot-on, and her impressive vocals add an important richness to the songs. She’s amazing. I’m smitten.

The raw production adds to the off-the-cuff feel of Below The Pink Pony. The timeless, punky vibe of “I’m In Love With Everything,” along with Escovedo’s world-weary vocals, is fresh and garagey. Pitmon’s vocals on the chorus are a welcome addition. “Suck My Heart Out With A Straw” is another glorious punk nugget, from the dirty production to the spit out vocals and buzzsaw guitar.

The Fauntleroys’ take on The Incredible String Band’s “Chinese White” is shambolic and wild, with dirty, chaotic guitar work from Ivan Julian. Things get spacey on “(This Can’t Be) Julie’s Song.” The vocals are melty, and the production is like pulling the Wall Of Sound through the eye of a needle, a girl group on acid with only one girl. There are layers of business here: a fairground keyboard, sleigh bells, reverby guitar, and Pitmon’s breathy but strong vocals alongside Escovedo’s persuasive tones.

“Worry Wall” is a sneery, awesome delight with a prominent bass line, and an almost Joe Tex-like vocal line, inasmuch as the vocals are a mix of proselytizing preacher and street corner hustler (you can just insert your own joke or witty observation here). The angular guitar line is gritty and bears repeated listens. “Take You Away” is a giant-sounding song with muscular guitar and Escovedo’s classic-sounding voice. It ends in a feedback wail and skitter.

Below The Pink Pony is easily one of the most enjoyable things I’ve heard this late summer. The fizzy lightning in a bottle feeling of fantastic musicians, loose and relaxed, making music simply because they wanted to doesn’t happen often enough. The Fauntleroys have made a fun, satisfying slice of ear candy and I can’t wait to hear what they do next.

Below The Pink Pony was released by Plowboy Records on September 16.

Tour Dates:
Fri., Oct. 3: Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
Sat., Oct. 4: Nashville, TN City Winery
Sun., Oct. 5: Lexington, KY Willie’s Locally Known
Tues., Oct. 7: Pittsburgh, PA Hard Rock Café
Wed., Oct. 8: New York, NY Mercury Lounge,
Thurs., Oct. 9: Brooklyn, NY Rough Trade
Fri., Oct. 10: Philadelphia, PA North Star
Sat., Oct. 11: Washington, DC The Hamilton