KEY POINTS:
Rating: * *
Grey's Anatomy has a lot to answer for. First, it ruined Snow Patrol. Then it gave us The Fray.
Before Grey's added The Fray to its soundtrack, nobody had heard of the Denver piano rockers. Now, they have platinum-selling debut album (How to Save a Life) behind them and suffer the misguided notion they are good at what they do and people want to listen to them.
Actually, they are good at what they do - which is produce mind-numbingly dull, lifeless piano rock. But certainly, nobody could want to listen to this banal wailing.
The problem is not that the record is too sombre or brooding - some of the best music wallows in the depths of despair - but rather it tries so hard to be. Unfortunately, The Fray are about as evocative as a used Kleenex. It could be anyone's, anywhere from anytime.
After more than 10 listens to this record, one is still at a loss to name a single track, recall even a partial lyric of hum one hook or melody. Even Coldplay detractors would agree this band makes Chris Martin look like a hardcore rebel rocker.
It's almost offensive how inoffensive this record is. Does the record company really believe the public are so undiscerning they will buy this rubbish?
Money talks. Save your voice and don't bother with this limp excuse for a record.
Joanna Hunkin
