As they prepare to unleash their fourth studio album Memory and Humanity, Funeral For A Friend is also set to bring the noise at Soundwave Festival. FL talked new beginnings with the Welsh quintet’s newest addition, Gavin Burrough.
Funeral for a Friend erupted onto the British post-hardcore scene in 2003, with their gold-selling debut album Casually Dressed and in Deep Conversation. This marked the start of great things for the Bridgend boys. Five years later, three studio albums all achieving gold status, and countless remarkable live shows under their belt, we are all eagerly awaiting Funeral for a Friend’s fourth installment.
After the departure of Gareth Davies, long-time friend of the band, Gavin Burrough has completed FFAF’s line up. Having only made his presence in the band two months ago, Burrough tells FL he’s dealing with hectic rehearsal schedules in preparation for their upcoming tour promoting new album Memory and Humanity.
Memory and Humanity marks a new chapter of Funeral for a Friend. Having left behind their major label after record number three, Tales Don’t Tell Themselves, the boys set up their own label and declared themselves independent. For FFAF, this meant ultimate control and creativity. Although not directly involved in the recording, Gav said the comfortable nature and the absence of outside pressure has definitely allowed FFAF to create an album that perfectly encapsulates the band as a whole.
The first single off Funeral for a Friend’s new album is Waterfront Danceclub. Burrough says the boys collectively agreed on this to be the first single. They felt it made a statement and is an ideal reflection on the album as a whole. Gavin stipulates that Waterfront Danceclub reveals the band’s strong desire to show that they are still pushing barriers and moving in a forward direction.
Funeral for a Friend arrive on Australian soil in February 2009 as part of a mammoth Soundwave Festival line-up. Gav tells that the boys speak very highly of Australia. It’s one of their “favourite places to tour…a beautiful country with great people.”
Word is they have never played a bad show in Australia. On the flipside, it will be Gavin’s first time down under. He says he is very excited to see Australia, especially after the first class compliments the boys have given the country. Gavin’s excitement also extends past Australia. “I really am looking forward to seeing the world,” he says – and what better way to do it than in a globe-trotting band?
Funeral For A Friend play Soundwave around the country in February.
Saturday 21 – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
Sunday 22 – TBC, Sydney
Friday 27 – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne
Saturday 28 – Bonython Park, Adelaide
Monday 2 March – Steel Blue Oval, Bassendean, Perth
